Sport Bild reports Borussia Dortmund have intensified their efforts to sign Barcelona right-back Héctor Fort as the Bundesliga club continue shaping their squad ahead of the new season. According to the tabloid, Dortmund have now entered direct talks with Barcelona over the 20-year-old, who currently sits near the top of BVB’s shortlist for the right side of defense. Fort himself is reportedly open to moving to Germany, although the two clubs remain some distance from reaching an agreement.
Barcelona are understood to be demanding as much as €20m for the La Masia graduate. Dortmund are reluctant to meet that valuation after already investing heavily in Giannis Konstantelias and Joey Veerman this summer and are consequently exploring a loan or another less expensive transfer structure.
Fort has made 30 competitive appearances for Barcelona’s senior side. The Spain youth international spent last season on loan at Elche before returning to Catalonia this summer.
Dortmund are also considering alternative options. Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, capable of playing both centrally and at right-back, remains on the list after making 17 Premier League appearances last season. Torino’s Marcus Pedersen has also reportedly been offered to BVB and would represent the more experienced option.
Dortmund continue investing in young talent
The pursuit of Fort comes as Dortmund continue placing considerable emphasis on young players already within the club. BVB confirmed on Wednesday that 17-year-old midfielder Enzo Duarte has signed a long-term professional contract following an impressive preseason with the senior squad.
Duarte joined Dortmund from Swift Hesperingen last summer and has already collected five senior caps for Luxembourg. Having made his international debut at 16, he became the youngest senior international in Borussia Dortmund history.
“We are very pleased that we have been able to tie Enzo down for the long term,” managing director Lars Ricken said, praising the youngster’s rapid development and the potential he displayed during first-team preseason.
Duarte said his ultimate ambition remains making his Dortmund debut “in front of the Yellow Wall,” while acknowledging that considerable work still lies ahead.
