Real Sociedad make Héctor Fort deal official until 2031

Real Sociedad have made their second signing of the 2026-27 season official with the arrival of Héctor Fort, who signs until 2031. As reported by MARCA, the Catalan defender arrives from Barcelona, with Real set to pay around €8.5m for 60% of his sporting rights, while the Blaugrana retain an option to buy for roughly €20m.

A defensive boost

Fort becomes Real’s latest response to last season’s issues at the back, after the club were the highest conceders in the league. With that in mind, the move is designed to strengthen the squad defensively, adding a player able to cover both central and right-back roles.

The timing also fits with earlier reporting: as noted in the lead-up, the operation was close to being sealed. MARCA adds that the push for Fort was accelerated after staff decisions around the second-choice spot, with Iñaki Rupérez taking his place at Sanse, prompting Real to look for a market solution.

First training, aiming for the Celta game

Fort already watched Real’s 2-1 win over Espanyol from Anoeta, as he celebrates the start of his new stage. This Sunday he will take part in his first training session under Pellegrino Matarazzo, and he could be in contention for the next Thursday’s match against Celta, where he may even make his debut.

On his background, MARCA notes that Fort came through Barcelona’s youth system and debuted for the first team in 2023/24 in the Champions League. The following campaign he played 20 matches under Hansi Flick, while last season he was loaned to Elche before being sold to Real.