Borussia Dortmund Eye Barcelona Youngsters in Push for Left-Back and Midfield Signings

BVB Target Fort and Fernandez as Bundesliga Side Continue Youth Recruitment Strategy

Borussia Dortmund are once again dipping into their favourite well — the market for promising young talents — and this time their gaze has fallen firmly on Catalonia. According to reports in Mundo Deportivo, the Bundesliga giants are interested in bringing in two Barcelona starlets: 19-year-old right-back Fort and 17-year-old midfielder Fernandez. Both have been part of Barça’s pre-season squad under new coach Hansi Flick, but with senior opportunities limited at Camp Nou, Dortmund sense a window of opportunity.

It’s a move that fits BVB’s long-standing philosophy: spot elite-level potential early, offer regular first-team football, and nurture prospects into world-class players. The same formula that transformed Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Ousmane Dembélé into household names could soon be applied to Fort and Fernandez — if the German club can strike a deal with Barcelona.

Fort: A Young Full-Back in Demand

Niko Kovac BVB barcelona

Fort’s name has been circulating in scouting departments across Europe for months. The Spanish youth international has already racked up 30 senior appearances for Barcelona, 17 of which came in La Liga last season, though mostly as a substitute. Quick, technically adept, and capable of playing in both defensive and attacking phases, Fort has the kind of modern full-back profile that appeals to elite clubs.

Despite his promise, he faces a crowded path to regular minutes in Barcelona’s defence. Jules Koundé, who has excelled at right-back, remains the first-choice option, while Eric García provides experienced cover. It’s little surprise, then, that Barcelona are open to letting Fort leave — but on their terms.

Their preference is reportedly either a loan or a permanent sale with a buy-back clause, ensuring they retain some control over his future. Dortmund are not alone in chasing him, with Paris FC, AC Milan, Mallorca, and Ajax also interested. However, BVB’s reputation for giving youngsters a genuine pathway to top-level football could tip the scales in their favour.

Fernandez: La Masia’s Creative Midfield Prospect

While Fort has already had a taste of consistent first-team involvement, Fernandez is still waiting for his real breakthrough. The 17-year-old midfielder, a product of Barça’s famed La Masia academy, is considered one of the brightest prospects in his age group in Spain. Comfortable on the ball, blessed with excellent vision, and adept at threading passes through the tightest of spaces, Fernandez embodies the archetypal Barcelona midfielder.

His contract runs until 2027, so there’s no immediate pressure for Barcelona to sell. However, the youngster is understood to be seeking guarantees of playing time before committing his short-term future to the Catalan giants. Dortmund, well aware of his potential, are among several clubs to have made concrete proposals for his services.

Fernandez did get a small taste of senior football during pre-season, coming on for the final 15 minutes against FC Seoul, but those minutes are scarce. Given the depth of Barcelona’s midfield — and Flick’s tendency to rely on more experienced names — a loan or permanent transfer could be the best route for him to accelerate his development.

Dortmund’s Youth-Driven Transfer Approach

For Borussia Dortmund, targeting Fort and Fernandez is entirely consistent with their recruitment blueprint. The club thrives on identifying emerging talents before they reach their peak value, offering them a platform in the Bundesliga, and — if necessary — selling them on for substantial profits.

The interest in the two Barcelona players also comes as Dortmund continue a summer refresh of their squad. They have already signed Daniel Svensson to strengthen the left-back position and added Jobe Bellingham to their midfield options. Still, sporting director Sebastian Kehl and his team believe there’s room for more depth, particularly in the full-back and central midfield roles.

It’s a calculated move: by bringing in players like Fort and Fernandez, Dortmund ensure competition for places without blocking the pathway for their own academy prospects.

Barcelona’s Balancing Act

From Barcelona’s perspective, these negotiations are about more than just selling or loaning young players. The club are still managing their financial recovery, and moving fringe players on — especially with buy-back clauses — allows them to maintain a future link while freeing up squad space and resources for immediate needs.

Fort’s situation appears the more straightforward: he’s ready for consistent senior minutes, but unlikely to get them in Barcelona’s current setup. Fernandez’s case is trickier; as one of La Masia’s brightest young midfielders, letting him leave permanently would be a significant gamble, so a loan could be the compromise that suits all parties.

What Happens Next

Any progress will likely come after Barcelona’s pre-season tour of Asia concludes. Hansi Flick will want a final look at both Fort and Fernandez before making a definitive decision. Dortmund, meanwhile, will continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to act if the opportunity arises.

With the Bundesliga season approaching and BVB keen to finalise their squad, time is a factor. However, Dortmund’s track record with young players could give them the edge in persuading both Barcelona and the players themselves that a move to Signal Iduna Park is the right step.

A Potential Win-Win Scenario

If the deals go through, Dortmund would gain two players with immense potential and room to grow, while Barcelona would maintain future control through buy-back clauses or favourable terms. For Fort and Fernandez, the appeal is obvious: regular first-team football in one of Europe’s most exciting attacking leagues, under a club famous for developing world-class talent.

As things stand, nothing is signed, sealed, or delivered — but the interest is genuine, and the pieces are in place for a move that could benefit everyone involved. Dortmund have made their intentions clear; now it’s up to Barcelona to decide how much of their future they are willing to share with the Bundesliga’s most youth-focused powerhouse.