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Real Madrid had one main priority in last summer's transfer window and that was reinforcing the backline. The club brought in three new defenders, all of whom are expected to play a big part in the future of Los Blancos. Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all arrived in the summer to be the start of the reshaping of the backline in the post Carlo Ancelotti era.
The club are expecting a number of defensive departures in the summer, with David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and possibly Ferland Mendy, as well as Fran Garcia, likely leaving, leaving the defence worryingly thin.
Not only will the backline be thin in terms of players, despite bringing in three new starters, the defense still looks rocky at times and needs another difference maker to bring stability, something the team has been lacking for years. The club has drawn up a shopping list of targets for the summer transfer window, and to the pleasure of fans, Real have become the favorites to land their top defensive target this summer.
Real Madrid now frontrunners for Bundesliga star
As reported by BILD (via Madrid Xtra on X), Real Madrid are in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck and are the players prefered destination as he looks to leave the German club. Los Blancos are heavily interested in the defender, and his likely price tag of around €40-€50 million will be no problem for the club.
The defender is out of contract in 2027 and is expected to make a decision on his renewal in March, but it is likely that he won't be signing a new contract and will look to leave Dortmund as he looks to take the next big step in his career.
Of the names on the club's list of defensive targets, Schlotterbeck is without a doubt the best candidate and fits the club perfectly. The 26-year-old is tall, extremely quick, good with the ball at his feet, and is a threat from set pieces, something that is becoming more and more important for defenders in the modern game. The left-footed German is a stronger leader in the backline and brings an intensity similar to Sergio Ramos', something the backline has lacked in recent years.
While the club are looking at other options like Ibrahima Konate who would be available on free transfer, paying the €50 million fee for the German should be a no brainer for Real. For a player the caliber of Schlotterbeck to be available for that price is a steal of a deal in today's transfer market and is a signing that could define the club's future for years to come.