Real Madrid's summer transfer plans were handed a major blow last week. Borussia Dortmund officially announced that defender Nico Schlotterbeck has signed a new contract with the German club until 2031. The German was Real Madrid's number one defensive target this summer but now Los Blancos will have to look elsewhere to strengthen their backline... or will they?
As being reported by German journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, Nico Schlotterbeck has a release clause of around €50-€60 million in his new contract with Borussia Dortmund that can be activated in the summer, but only for specific clubs, and Real Madrid is one of those clubs that can activate it.
Schlotterbeck is still on the table despite new extension
This news gives Real Madrid a major boost just months away from the summer transfer window. Just last week the club thought their number one target is off the table and they would have to look elsewhere at other targets, however that has now changed and it no doubt changes their transfer plans, with Schlotterbeck jumping straight back to the top of the clubs shopping list.
Schlotterbeck has long been the clubs number one target to come in and solidify the shaky backline, and it's clear why. The German has almost all the attributes that Real Madrid are looking for in their next great central-defender. He's tall, extremely quick, good with the ball at his feet, and brings a threat from set pieces, which is becoming more and more important in the modern game. He brings an intensity, that when paired with Eder Militao will harkin back to the days of the Sergio Ramos-Pepe partnership from back in the day.
The German has been linked with other clubs like Bayern Munich however they aren't one of the teams the release clause is active for, giving a major boost in Real Madrid's favor, eliminating one of the top competitors for the defenders signature this summer.
For Real Madrid it will be crucial to get this deal done this summer. The reported release clause is only active for this summer before his price skyrockets and it surely will. The German is one of the top defenders in the Bundesliga, so for Real Madrid to be able to get to get their center-back of the future for only €60 million, it would be a steal of a deal in the current transfer market. The club are planning a major defensive overhaul in the summer with the departures of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Carvajal, with Schlotterbeck planned to be the marquee defensive signing to help the club bounce back to their best form after back-to-back disappointing seasons.
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