According to Spanish outlet AS and journalist Jose Felix Diaz, key decision-makers at the Santiago Bernabeu have converged on Borussia Dortmund and Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck as the ideal signing to bolster their backline this summer. The 26-year-old left-footed defender, valued around €50 million with his contract expiring in 2027, has emerged as the consensus choice after Real Madrid monitored a lengthy shortlist that included names like Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano (who recently renewed), Marc Guehi (now at Manchester City), and others.
The move represents a shift in strategy for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have prioritized a readymade, experienced profile capable of providing immediate stability and leadership. Schlotterbeck’s strong recent performances for Dortmund—where he has solidified his status as a key starter and German national team regular—have intensified Madrid’s interest, with intensified scouting in recent weeks tipping the scales. The excellent relationship between Dortmund and Real Madrid’s hierarchies is seen as a facilitating factor, potentially smoothing negotiations despite the German club’s reluctance to lose another star.
This development is particularly noteworthy—and bittersweet—for Liverpool fans. The Reds had been linked with Schlotterbeck as a potential addition following their missed pursuit of Marc Guehi, viewing him as a high-quality option to deepen their defensive ranks under Arne Slot. Real Madrid’s apparent agreement on the player could complicate Liverpool’s plans, forcing them to pivot elsewhere or accelerate other targets amid their own defensive reshuffling (including the recent pre-agreement for Rennes’ Jérémy Jacquet).
The “shock sale” angle gathers pace in the context of Dortmund potentially cashing in on Schlotterbeck before his value dips further in his final contract year, mirroring patterns seen with past departures like Jude Bellingham. For Real Madrid, the signing aligns with broader plans to address ongoing concerns in central defense—despite recent additions like Dean Huijsen—especially with uncertainties surrounding veterans Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba (both out of contract soon), Eder Militao’s fitness fluctuations, and the need for left-footed balance alongside stars like Antonio Rüdiger.
Schlotterbeck himself has not commented publicly on the speculation, but his desire for a new challenge has been hinted at in reports. If the deal materializes, it would mark a significant statement from Florentino Perez’s board ahead of the summer window, blending youth with proven quality to maintain Madrid’s defensive solidity in La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
As the 2025/26 season progresses toward its climax, this transfer storyline adds intrigue to Europe’s elite clubs’ preparations. Real Madrid’s “agreement” on Schlotterbeck signals momentum building—watch this space as negotiations could accelerate in the coming months.
