Borussia Dortmund is reportedly in talks with FC Barcelona over a transfer for Hector Fort. The Catalans are said to want around 17 million euros for the defender from the Black and Yellows. According to the Ruhr Nachrichten, the negotiations are progressing constructively, so Dortmund is very optimistic about presenting the new signing. The 19-year-old Fort is supposed to replace Yan Couto, who was loaned out to Como. Lothar Matthäus praised BVB's activity in the transfer market and said: "Der BVB hat sich gut verstärkt". The Sportbericht St. Georg (SPOX) reported the talks first.
What the 17 million euro offer means for the BVB budget
Barcelona has demanded a fixed transfer fee of 17 million euros for Hector Fort according to Ruhr Nachrichten. Borussia Dortmund, however, is said to be considering an alternative transfer model in which the fixed price can be pushed down to ten million euros if Barcelona in return guarantees a buyback option and a percentage share in a future sale. This construction would relieve the budget of the Schwarz-Gelben while still securing the desired player. The club has already invested in this transfer window with Konstantinos Karetsas from KRC Genk and Giannis Konstantelias from PAOK as well as Joey Veerman from PSV Eindhoven. The trio cost the Borussia nearly 80 million euros. Matthäus emphasized: "Der BVB hat die Qualität, den zweiten Platz zu festigen".
Where Hector Fort fits into the current defense
Young defender Hector Fort is supposed to fill the gap left by Yan Couto, who was loaned out to Como. Fort is seen as a young, fresh player who has already gathered experience. His versatility in the defense line fits the concept of coach Nuri Şahin, who wants to stabilize the defense. The BVB won the vice-championship last season and currently sits in second place in the 2025/26 season table with 73 points from 34 games. The defense around Mats Hummels, who made 508 appearances for the club, should be further strengthened by the signing of Fort. The Signal Iduna Park, officially named since December 2005, offers 81,365 seats for domestic games the perfect stage for the new actors.
Further transfers and squad planning in summer 2026
Besides the signing of Hector Fort, Borussia Dortmund plans further additions. Already in the previous season, the club brought in Konstantinos Karetsas from KRC Genk and Giannis Konstantelias from PAOK as well as Joey Veerman from PSV Eindhoven. The trio cost the club nearly 80 million euros total. Lothar Matthäus attested good business by the BVB in the transfer market and said: "Der BVB hat sich gut verstärkt". Karetsas and Konstantelias are young fresh players with already gathered experience, while Veerman is an experienced player who has lived through highs and lows. The BVB has won a total of 22 titles in its history, including the UEFA Cup in 1997 with a 3:1 victory over Juventus Turin.
Current squad situation and next tasks
The BVB has to do without some players in the new season. Nico Schlotterbeck, Carney Chukwuemeka and Ramy Bensebaini are currently unavailable. The team plays its next game on September 12, 2026 at home against SC Paderborn 07. In recent form it was successful: 4 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss in the last 5 games. The team is currently under pressure to close the gap of 16 points to league leader Bayern Munich. The defense will receive new options through the possible signing of Hector Fort, while the attack is geared towards top scorer Adi Preißler with 177 goals in 278 appearances as well as Marco Reus with 170 goals.
The negotiations with Barcelona over Hector Fort are still in the early stages, but the constructive talks suggest that the transfer could be realized this summer. The BVB remains flexible and checks alternative models to strengthen the squad for the Champions League and the Bundesliga without completely blowing the budget. The coming weeks will show whether the 19-year-old actually moves to Dortmund and which role he will take in the defense of coach Nuri Şahin.
