FC Barcelona have placed the left-sided centre-back role near the top of their priorities for 2026, and Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as one of the preferred names on their list. The Borussia Dortmund defender fits the profile Hansi Flick wants, but the transfer picture has become increasingly tangled as interest grows across Europe.
According to multiple reports in Germany, Schlotterbeck is leaning toward leaving Dortmund after declining to advance talks over a new deal, which expires in 2027. Dortmund are making a significant effort to keep him and plan to table another improved offer before the end of the year. If he does not renew, the club would likely be forced to sell in the summer to avoid losing him for free.
Barcelona have been monitoring him for months. Flick knows the defender well, having handed him his senior Germany debut, and values his left foot, timing in duels and composure building from the back. According to Diario SPORT, the club believe he has a clear path to depart Dortmund should a major offer arrive, and they view him as a high-level option who could replace Íñigo Martínez, who departed in the summer. Gonçalo Inácio, another left-footed central defender, remains on the list as well.
But Barcelona are far from alone in the chase. Sources in Germany note that Schlotterbeck is interested in moving to La Liga, yet his current preference points toward Real Madrid. While Madrid have explored several centre-back options, including Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano, their position on Schlotterbeck is still described as preliminary. If they opt against pursuing Upamecano, the Dortmund defender could come back into play.
Bayern Munich also remain in the conversation. Sky Germany reported that Schlotterbeck would consider Bayern, but only if the club cannot secure a contract extension with Upamecano, whose deal expires in 2026. Should the Frenchman renew, Bayern are expected to pivot toward a younger profile instead.
The interest does not stop there. Atlético de Madrid, led by Mateu Alemany, have also entered the picture. According to rumors, Atlético are tracking Schlotterbeck as they seek a reliable left-sided defender to stabilize a back line that has suffered through injuries. Liverpool, meanwhile, explored a January move but ultimately stepped back after Dortmund made clear they would not negotiate mid-season.
