Barcelona continue to keep a close eye on Nico Schlotterbeck’s situation as the club assesses options to reinforce a defense with limited depth. Despite the strong emergence of Gerard Martín alongside Pau Cubarsí, the Blaugrana remain active in the market, both to add competition and to prepare alternatives should Ronald Araújo’s long-term future change.
Schlotterbeck, 25, has become one of the standout defenders in the Bundesliga since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2022. His contract runs until 2027, but several reports indicate he is not currently inclined to renew, a stance that has alerted clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
From a sporting perspective, the German international fits the profile Barcelona’s coaching staff value. He is left-footed, comfortable defending high up the pitch, quick across the ground, and strong in the air. Over his Dortmund career he has scored seven goals, a notable return for a center back, and he brings significant experience with nearly 150 appearances for the club and 23 senior caps for Germany.
Financially, however, any deal would be far from straightforward. According to BILD, Dortmund already offer Schlotterbeck a package worth around €14 million gross per season including bonuses. Bayern Munich could reportedly go as high as €15 million annually, while Dortmund would demand a transfer fee of at least €50 million to consider a sale. Factoring in wages and bonuses over a five-year deal, the total cost could rise to figures that would severely test Barcelona’s Fair Play limits.
The competition is fierce. Real Madrid remain attentive to the situation, and sources in Germany suggest the player would be open to a move to the Spanish capital. His name has also been loosely linked to Bayern’s internal planning, especially with uncertainty surrounding Dayot Upamecano’s contract talks, which according to Bild include demands of €20 million per year plus a €20 million signing bonus.
Inside Dortmund, opinions differ on how to manage the situation. While sporting director Lars Ricken has publicly ruled out setting a deadline for a decision, club advisor Matthias Sammer has argued for a firmer stance. “With Nico Schlotterbeck, you have to develop a sense of how far along the talks are,” Sammer told Sky. He added, “I have always looked at it from a sporting perspective… Sometimes I would set deadlines.”
