Barcelona could be preparing to make one of those decisions that looks sensible financially but could become painful later.
Borussia Dortmund have emerged as the leading contender for Héctor Fort, with reports saying the German club has already held discussions with Barcelona about a permanent move for the 20-year-old right-back. Premier League clubs have also shown interest, but Dortmund currently appear to be pushing hardest. Barcelona are reportedly looking for around €20 million.
For Fort, however, this is less about leaving Barcelona and more about finding somewhere he can actually play.
Barcelona Have a Problem With Their Own Talent
Fort is a product of La Masia and has already made first-team appearances for Barcelona. He spent last season on loan at Elche, where he gained more senior football, but his path back into Barcelona’s starting XI now looks difficult.
The issue is not necessarily that Fort lacks potential. It is that Barcelona have limited space for developing another young full-back when established options are already ahead of him in the pecking order.
Recent reports indicate that manager Hansi Flick does not currently see Fort as part of his plans for the 2026-27 season. That makes a permanent transfer increasingly likely rather than another loan. And that is where Dortmund becomes interesting.
Why Dortmund Makes Sense
Dortmund have built a reputation around taking talented young players, giving them serious minutes and developing them into valuable first-team footballers.
Fort fits that model almost perfectly. He is still only 20, has already experienced top-level football with Barcelona and offers an attacking threat from right-back. More importantly, he would be moving to a club where development is part of the business model rather than trying to force his way into one of Europe’s most competitive squads.
For a young defender, regular Bundesliga football could be worth far more than another season spending most weekends watching from the bench.
Barcelona Should Protect Themselves
This is where Barcelona need to be careful. If the club sells Fort for around €20 million and he eventually develops into a top-level defender, Barcelona could end up regretting the decision.
That is why fans are pushing for a buy-back clause or a significant sell-on percentage. Reports have suggested Barcelona could also consider lowering the initial fee in exchange for a substantial share of a future transfer. That kind of structure could make sense for everyone.
Dortmund gets a promising young defender without paying the full premium immediately. Barcelona gets money now while keeping a route back if Fort develops beyond expectations.
Dortmund Could Be Getting More Than a Squad Player
The interesting part for Dortmund is that they would not simply be buying potential. Fort already has experience with Barcelona’s first team and has played in Spain’s professional system. His development is therefore further along than that of many teenagers Dortmund typically recruit.
If he adapts quickly to German football and earns consistent minutes, his value could rise considerably. That is exactly the kind of transfer Dortmund have repeatedly looked for.
The Bigger Barcelona Question
Fort’s possible departure also highlights a difficult reality for Barcelona. La Masia can continue producing talented players, but talent does not guarantee a place in the first team.
Eventually, the club has to choose between keeping a promising youngster as squad depth, sending him out on another loan or selling him while his market value is high.
Barcelona appear to have chosen the third option with Fort. The smart move now would be making sure that selling him does not mean completely losing control of his future.
If Dortmund give Fort the playing time Barcelona cannot, this could be an excellent move for the player. But Barcelona should make sure they are not watching a future star develop somewhere else without leaving themselves a way back in.
