Exit-bound Barcelona full-back ‘very close’ to joining Real Sociedad

Exit-bound Barcelona full-back ‘very close’ to joining Real Sociedad Barcelona have a few players the club are looking to move on in the final days of the summer transfer window. The likes of Marc Casado and Hector Fort are no longer in Hansi Flick’s plans and have been training away from the squad while trying to find a solution. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano , relaying information from Matteo Moretto, Fort appears to be closing in on an exit, with Real Sociedad emerging as the destination. Talks advance after Deco meeting Barcelona are set to earn around €8m as a transfer fee from Fort’s sale while also retaining 50% of his future rights. According to Carlos Monfort , the situation appears to have accelerated following a meeting between Barcelona sporting director Deco and Fort’s representatives. There have also been advanced talks on Wednesday between Deco and Real Sociedad sporting director Erik Bretos as the two clubs attempted to finalise the operation. Hector Fort is facing immense competition for places at Barcelona. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images) Fort’s departure has been increasingly likely as the summer has progressed, with the 20-year-old facing significant competition for opportunities in Hansi Flick’s squad. The emergence of Xavi Espart effectively shut the first-team door for Fort, and a move to Sociedad could be the perfect next step for his career. Fort needs regular football From Barcelona’s perspective, the important issue was always finding an arrangement that makes sense both financially and for the player’s development. Fort has already demonstrated enough ability to suggest that he can establish himself at a high level, but his pathway into Flick’s starting XI is complicated. The coach has several solutions available at right-back, most notably Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia, while the emergence of other young options further increases competition. At this stage of Fort’s career, another season spent fighting for occasional minutes would not necessarily be the best outcome. Barcelona must protect their interests However, Barça have been careful about not completely surrendering control over a talented academy product. Securing a meaningful sell-on clause from Fort’s sale sees Barca protected in the event of Fort exploding and realizing his true potential at Sociedad. Xavi Espart has emerged as the next big thing at right-back for Hansi Flick. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) Young players do not always develop according to the timeline of the first team, and Fort could become considerably more valuable with regular senior football. Without a doubt, the 20-year-old is one of the more talented La Masia graduates in recent times with no opportunity in the first team. However, if he can go out and make a name for himself, Barça could keep the door open for a return in the future. It remains to be seen how Fort gets on at the Basque club and if there is an opportunity for him to return to the Catalan club in the future.