Borussia Dortmund have emerged as the strongest contenders to sign Barcelona defender Hector Fort, with the Bundesliga giants already making contact to gather information about a potential transfer.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Dortmund are currently the ‘best-positioned’ club in the race for the Barcelona academy graduate.
The German side have held talks regarding Fort and are exploring the conditions required to take him away from the Catalan club this summer.
The journalist states that a move to the Premier League would also appeal to the young defender, but at this stage, Dortmund are showing the most concrete interest.
It must be remembered that Fort returned to Barcelona after spending last season on loan at Elche, hoping to convince Hansi Flick that he could earn a place in the first-team squad.
However, the pathway at right-back appears increasingly difficult.
With Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart all competing for places, Barcelona are leaning towards a permanent sale rather than another temporary move.
Borussia Dortmund make their move for Hector Fort
Borussia Dortmund are leading the race for Hector Fort. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The Hector Fort to Borussia Dortmund transfer is beginning to gather momentum, as the Bundesliga side has already spoken with the relevant parties to better understand the player’s situation and the conditions of a possible deal.
Simply put, their interest currently appears more advanced than that of other clubs.
Fort is also said to be open to the possibility of playing in the Premier League, which could keep the door open for other teams to enter the race.
However, Dortmund are the club making the strongest push at present.
Notably, Fort’s priority after returning from Elche was reportedly to fight for a place under Flick. However, Barcelona’s current depth in the right-back position has made that task increasingly complicated.
As a result, the Barcelona defender’s transfer is on the verge of becoming a reality.
Barcelona want a permanent sale
Hector Fort would also welcome a move to the Premier League. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
As reported before, even though Barcelona are looking for a permanent exit, the club wants to include a percentage of the player’s rights or a share of any future sale in the agreement.
That approach would allow Barcelona to benefit if Fort develops into a more valuable player after leaving.
As previously reported, the Catalan giants are seeking between €15 million and €20 million for the young defender, depending on how much of his future economic rights they retain.
However, Barcelona could also accept a lower upfront fee.
On that note, a deal worth around €10 million could reportedly be considered if the club retain 50% of Fort’s rights.
Right now, the key is to wait and see whether Dortmund are willing to meet Barcelona’s conditions.