Dortmund’s €20m gamble on Barcelona’s Héctor Fort

Borussia Dortmund have stepped up their pursuit of Barcelona right‑back Héctor Fort as they look to plug a gap at right‑back ahead of the new season, with the Bundesliga side already having bolstered its attack and now turning to a 20‑year‑old defender to reinforce the back line.

The German club’s need for a specialist on the flank stems from a shortage of experienced options at right‑back after several departures. Having already invested heavily this summer in Giannis Konstantelias and Joey Veerman, Dortmund are keen to balance their defensive reinforcements with a youthful profile. Consequently, the BVB hierarchy is also weighing loan deals or other cost‑effective structures to avoid a large outlay.

Direct talks and valuation

Sport Dortmund have entered direct negotiations with Barcelona over the 20‑year‑old Fort. Fort currently sits near the top of Borussia Dortmund’s shortlist for the right side of defence. The Spanish youth international has indicated he is open to a move to Germany.

Barcelona are understood to be demanding as much as €20 million for the La Masia graduate. Dortmund are reluctant to meet that valuation, given their recent spending on other signings. The club is therefore exploring a loan or another less expensive transfer structure to secure the defender.

Alternative targets and youth focus

The BVB scouting network also keeps Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong on its radar, who made 17 Premier League appearances last season and can operate centrally or at right‑back. Torino’s Marcus Pedersen has reportedly been offered as a more experienced alternative. Both players provide Dortmund with options should talks over Fort stall.

Fort has already logged 30 competitive appearances for Barcelona’s senior side. He spent the previous season on loan at Elche before returning to Catalonia this summer. His experience as a Spain youth international adds further appeal to the German side.

The pursuit of Fort aligns with Dortmund’s broader youth‑focused strategy, highlighted by the recent signing of 17‑year‑old midfielder Enzo Duarte on a long‑term professional contract. Duarte arrived from Swift Hesperingen last summer and has earned five senior caps for Luxembourg, becoming the youngest senior international in Borussia Dortmund history after debuting at 16. Managing director Lars Ricken praised the signing, saying, “We are very pleased that we have been able to tie Enzo down for the long term.” Duarte added his ambition is to debut “in front of the Yellow Wall,” acknowledging further work lies ahead.

Despite the progress, the two clubs remain some distance from reaching an agreement on Fort’s transfer. Dortmund’s reluctance to meet the €20 million price tag and their exploration of loan alternatives constitute the main obstacles. The outcome will shape the Bundesliga side’s defensive options as the new season approaches.