Real Madrid will reportedly look to sign 26-year-old German international Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Nico Schlotterbeck is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the coming months, and they have reignited their talks with the Borussia Dortmund defender’s entourage. However, the Merengues are not alone in the battle for his signature, as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are also pursuing him.
Nico Schlotterbeck and his career so far
Nico Schlotterbeck has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga over his stints with SC Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund. The Waiblingen native spent his formative years in Germany, passing through the academies at five clubs in his homeland and graduating from the youth division at SC Freiburg.
The 26-year-old have been with Borussia Dortmund since July 2022, and he has been a pivotal figure for the Bundesliga giants. The German international has over 150 outings for Borussia Dortmund thus far while chipping in with ten goals and 18 assists. However, Schlotterbeck’s future is uncertain, as he has entered the final 18 months of his contract. The situation has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs.
A man in demand
Chelsea will aim to sign a centre-back ahead of the 2026/27 season, as they have been searching for a long-term central defensive partner for Levi Colwill for a long time. Additionally, Axel Disasi has no future at Stamford Bridge after becoming a peripheral figure under different managers. So, with Trevoh Chalobah being inconsistent this season, Schlotterbeck can be an upgrade on the Englishman.
Meanwhile, Nico Schlotterbeck has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Ibrahima Konate has entered the final few months of his contract without coming close to a renewal. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk is in the twilight of his career. So, while the Reds have two young centre-backs, they must sign someone at his peak who can guide Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet before they become the first-choice central defenders.
As for Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30, and the latter has constantly struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons.