Barcelona have confirmed that defender Héctor Fort has completed a permanent transfer to Real Sociedad. The deal is reportedly worth around €8 million, with the Catalan club securing both a buy-back option and a percentage of any future sale.
Fort has signed a contract with the Basque side until 2031, committing his long-term future to the club after spending the previous campaign on loan at Elche. The defender was spotted at Real Sociedad on Saturday watching the La Liga match against Espanyol prior to the announcement, suggesting the move was already in motion.
Seeking regular football
The transfer marks the end of Fort’s lengthy association with Barcelona, where he spent over a decade developing within the club’s renowned academy system. Despite his progression to the senior setup, opportunities in the first team proved limited, prompting the search for a new challenge elsewhere.
His temporary spell at Elche provided crucial match experience, but the defender requires consistent playing time to continue his development. Real Sociedad have offered that pathway through a six-year agreement that secures his services until the summer of 2031.
Barcelona protect their interests
Although Fort departs on a permanent basis, Barcelona have structured the deal to safeguard their interests. The club possess a buy-back clause allowing them to re-sign the player should he fulfil his potential, alongside a sell-on percentage that ensures they would benefit financially from any future transfer.
The arrangement reflects a growing trend among elite academies to maintain ties with promising graduates even after their departure, balancing the player’s need for experience against the club’s long-term asset management.
Further departures expected
Fort’s exit forms part of a busy conclusion to the transfer window for Barcelona. Toni Fernández is expected to complete a move to Venezia shortly, while midfielder Marc Casadó has attracted interest from RB Leipzig and Besiktas ahead of his anticipated departure.
For Real Sociedad, the acquisition adds depth to their defensive ranks as they compete on domestic and European fronts. Fort will hope to integrate quickly into the squad and establish himself as a regular option in the Basque Country.