Real Madrid see Schlotterbeck contract renewal as no barrier to potential move
Real Madrid believe a potential new contract for Nico Schlotterbeck at Borussia Dortmund would not prevent a future transfer, according to reports in Spain. The German international defender, whose current deal expires in 2027, has been in renewal talks with Dortmund but remains a target for the Spanish champions as they seek defensive reinforcements.
Diario AS reports that Real Madrid's understanding is that any new agreement between Schlotterbeck and Dortmund would include a release clause that would not be prohibitive for a summer move. The proposed Dortmund offer is said to include a significant wage increase to approximately €14 million per year. Dortmund's primary aim is to avoid losing the 26-year-old for a reduced fee as he enters the final two years of his contract, hence their reported willingness to negotiate a manageable exit clause.
Schlotterbeck himself recently suggested a renewal was not imminent while on international duty with Germany, contradicting some local reports from Dortmund. He stated an agreement was "not close," keeping the door open for a potential transfer. The left-footed centre-back is considered one of the few top-level defensive options potentially available this summer due to his contract situation, and it has been previously reported that he would be keen on a move to the Bernabeu.
However, a transfer to Real Madrid this summer is still considered unlikely by some observers. The club's recent policy has tended to avoid major fees for players in their mid-twenties, preferring to invest in younger talents or pursue opportunistic free transfers. In that context, the potential free agency of Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate, also 26, is seen as a more typical target. Real Madrid have also been linked with teenage defensive prospects like Jon Martin and Honor Ahananor this week, indicating a broader search.
Furthermore, Schlotterbeck has significant Premier League interest, with both Manchester United and Liverpool monitoring his situation. This could drive competition and complicate any move. For Dortmund, securing Schlotterbeck's long-term future remains a priority after he established himself as a key figure since joining from SC Freiburg in 2022, making over 150 appearances for the club.
The situation presents a complex calculation for all parties. For Real Madrid, Schlotterbeck represents a ready-made, left-footed defensive option to provide competition and cover for the likes of Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger. His potential clause could offer a clearer, if still substantial, pathway compared to a protracted negotiation. The coming months will determine whether Dortmund can finalize a renewal that satisfies both player and club, or if the inclusion of a clause merely sets the stage for a major sale.
