Borussia Dortmund slap €70m price tag on top Barcelona target as German giants firm up stance amid intensifying interest.
With the 26-year-old German international digging in against contract renewal talks—his deal ticking down to 2027—BVB’s unyielding stance signals no fire sale, demanding top dollar for a pillar whose ball-playing poise, aerial dominance, and progressive passing have anchored their backline through turbulent campaigns.
Barcelona’s pursuit intensifies post-Inigo Martinez’s departure, where Gerard Martin’s stopgap heroics underscore the urgent need for elite reinforcement to fortify Flick’s high-line press and Champions League ambitions, all while financial fair play shackles force Deco into precision strikes amid striker overhauls.
The defender is Nico Schlotterbeck, Dortmund’s rock, who has repelled advances from Bayern Munich and now Real Madrid, per BILD reports relayed by Diario Sport, with his refusal to commit, fueling a saga that could redefine La Liga’s backlines.
Schlotterbeck’s 11 Bundesliga starts this term boast five clean sheets, 14 defensive actions per game, five recoveries, and 88% pass accuracy—traits screaming Inigo heir in Flick’s system, blending Araujo’s bite with Cubarsí’s vision.
Rivals circle: Madrid eyes a wild swap involving prospects plus €35m (dismissed by BVB), Bayern lurks familiarly, Liverpool whispers linger—yet Barça’s early interest and left-foot synergy position them ahead, if wallets stretch.
Lewandowski’s looming exit demands striker funds, complicating the €70m bid against Dortmund’s cash preference over instalments.
Culers salivate at Schlotterbeck’s Montjuïc arrival: progressive carries, set-piece menace elevating a defense craving depth beyond Koundé’s versatility.
Laporta’s regime thrives on such gambles—echoing Yamal’s rise—turning contract rebels into Blaugrana bedrock.
As Borussia Dortmund maximizes amid internal strife, Barcelona’s summer war chest faces its sternest test.
Borussia Dortmund hold firm on their €70m valuation, and Barcelona’s pursuit of defensive steel enters a tense summer showdown.
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