Hector Fort makes Real Sociedad move after Barcelona exit

Barcelona confirmed the transfer on Monday, with the deal reportedly worth around eight million euros. The Catalan club have also protected their interests by retaining a buy-back option and a percentage of any future sale involving Fort.

The move brings an end to Fort’s long association with Barcelona. He joined the club’s academy at a young age and spent more than a decade developing within the system before making his first-team breakthrough.

However, the defender struggled to secure a regular place in Barcelona’s senior side. He spent last season on loan at Elche, gaining further first-team experience before deciding to move on permanently.

Fort had already been getting a closer look at his new surroundings. He was spotted at Real Sociedad on Saturday watching their La Liga match against Espanyol before the transfer was officially completed.

The 19-year-old has now signed a contract with Real Sociedad running until 2031 and will be hoping to establish himself as an important member of the Basque club’s defence.

For Barcelona, the agreement allows them to keep a degree of control over Fort’s future while also receiving an immediate transfer fee. The buy-back clause could give the club the opportunity to bring him back if he develops into the player they believe he can become.

Fort is one of several players expected to leave Barcelona during the final days of the transfer window. Toni Fernandez is set to move to Venezia, while Marc Casado has been linked with RB Leipzig and Besiktas.

Barcelona’s attention now turns back to La Liga, with their next match against Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou on Monday night.