Real Madrid have removed Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck from their list of potential summer signings, according to The Athletic. The decision follows a recent injury sustained by the 26-year-old while representing Germany at the World Cup, an injury expected to keep him sidelined for several months.
Schlotterbeck’s injury appears to have shifted Real Madrid’s focus to other targets, with Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni recently reported as a higher priority by several outlets. Prior to the injury, Schlotterbeck had been considered a viable option to bolster Real Madrid’s defensive options ahead of next season.
Schlotterbeck joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022 from SC Freiburg for a reported fee of €25 million. He quickly established himself as a key player in Dortmund’s backline, making 32 appearances across all competitions last season and earning his first caps for the German national team. He was a regular feature in Germany’s World Cup squad before picking up the injury in their final group stage match against Costa Rica.
Borussia Dortmund could potentially sell Schlotterbeck this summer for a fixed fee of €50 million, but this release clause is reportedly exclusive to Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Liverpool. The Athletic’s report suggests that Real Madrid will not be activating the clause given their current assessment of the player’s fitness and alternative options available in the transfer market. This limited clause adds a layer of complexity to any potential transfer, restricting potential suitors to a select group of European giants.
The injury significantly impacts Schlotterbeck’s immediate prospects, potentially delaying any move to a top European club. Real Madrid’s change in strategy leaves a gap in their defensive planning, which they will now aim to fill with alternative targets like Bastoni.
