Real Madrid have successfully managed to continue their winning form in La Liga and are now on a seven-match winning streak after their recent 2-0 victory over Valencia. It was an overall good display from the squad in the absence of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Trent Alexander-Arnold also made his long-awaited return to the pitch and impressed with his performance after coming on from the bench in the second half.
It is a well-known fact that Real Madrid have suffered some major injuries to key players this season, especially in defence, with stars like Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy all sidelined for long durations.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba’s contracts are also set to expire following this campaign, and Real are likely to let them leave as free agents. As a result, it is only natural that the club will look to add reinforcements in the summer when the transfer window reopens to bolster their defence.
Now, reports have emerged suggesting that Real have intensified their interest in a German international who has been heavily linked with the club in recent months.
Real Madrid may have just found their next centre-back before Rudiger is even gone
According to Jorge Picon of El DesMarque, Real are already planning ahead and have stepped up their pursuit of Nico Schlotterbeck. The Borussia Dortmund defender could be a perfect addition to Real’s backline.
With summer signing Dean Huijsen failing to live up to expectations so far and Raul Asensio also looking shaky at times in the centre-back role, a player like Schlotterbeck could be the missing piece of the puzzle for the Los Blancos.
Standing at six feet three inches tall, the 26-year-old German centre-back has been a constant presence in Dortmund’s defence this season. He has made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists so far.
Needless to say, Schlotterbeck would not come cheap, as several other top clubs are also monitoring the player. That said, Real’s maintains excellent relationship with Dortmund which could give them an advantage in negotiations.
Anyway, the summer transfer window is still a few months away, and Schlotterbeck is not the only candidate on Real Madrid’s radar, with players like Ibrahim Konate, Goncalo Inacio, Antonio Silva, and Giorgio Scalvini also on the shortlist. As a result, fans may have to wait a bit longer for clarity on who the club will ultimately pursue.