Real Madrid are reportedly pushing to sign key Barcelona target Nico Schlotterbeck in the summer of 2026.
Schlotterbeck sees his Borussia Dortmund contract expire in June 2027.
Dortmund have been trying for months to extend his stay, even offering to bump his wages from €2.5 million (£2.2 million) to €8 million (£7.0 million) with bonuses.
However, the player has shown little interest in signing a new deal with Dortmund and is likely to leave in the summer of 2026.
Barcelona Interested in Schlotterbeck
Since Inigo Martinez’s departure, Barcelona have been in the market for a left-footed centre-back.
Owing to his favourable contract situation, Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as a potential target for the Catalans.
According to Barca Universal, Barcelona believe Schlotterbeck would be a good addition to Hansi Flick’s system.
His tactical flexibility, pace, positional awareness, and ball-playing ability make him an exciting option for Barcelona.
🚨 BREAKING: Nico Schlotterbeck IS Hansi Flick’s PREFERRED OPTION. #FCBarcelona CONSIDERS the DEAL INTERESTING, and the staff SEE Schlotterbeck as a GOOD FIT thanks to his leadership, left-footed quality, and strong personality. Flick COULD BE KEY in CONVINCING HIM. [@sport] 🥈🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/MmH36LjWsM
— infosfcb (@infosfcb) December 4, 2025
Having handed him his international debut, Flick is well acquainted with Schlotterbeck’s game and holds him in high regard.
Dortmund concede there is little hope of securing a new deal for Schlotterbeck and do not want to let him leave for free.
German outlet BILD claim Dortmund value him at around €45 million (£39.3 million). The price is likely to drop further next year.
Barcelona have also been exploring younger options in the market, including holding talks with a Manchester United academy star, JJ Gabriel.
Gabriel met Sir Alex Ferguson at an event as speculations continue about his future.
Real Madrid Make Contact With Schlotterbeck
Barcelona were one of the first teams to express interest in Nico Schlotterbeck. However, according to Sky Sports Germany, their rivals, Real Madrid, are now in a better position to sign the centre-back.
Xabi Alonso’s side are looking for a defender and have been linked with some big names.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was believed to be one of their top targets. However, Real Madrid left Konate’s pursuit, suggesting they were prioritising other defenders.
Alonso, who faced Schlotterbeck during his managerial stint with Bayer Leverkusen, admires the defender for his experience, versatility, and distribution skills.
Si el Barça vol un central, i ja ho vaig dir a l'estiu, ha d'anar a per Schlotterbeck. El relleu d'Íñigo Martínez en fons i forma.
Un must. pic.twitter.com/YvULOHNp9M
— Albert Blaya Sensat (@Blayasensat) October 28, 2025
With the coach fully on board, Real Madrid have established preliminary contact with Borussia Dortmund.
The two clubs share an excellent relationship, having recently completed Jude Bellingham’s high-profile transfer.
Schlotterbeck himself is reportedly looking to leave the Bundesliga, and he is leaning more towards a move to Real Madrid.
Barcelona, who are managing a fragile financial situation, are unlikely to be able to outbid Los Blancos.
Additionally, Real Madrid are not the only team competing for Schlotterbeck. Bayern Munich are also believed to be interested in the defender.
However, Dortmund would prefer him to sell to either of the LaLiga clubs instead of their direct rivals.
