Borussia Dortmund defender stands firm on Barcelona dream, doubling down on his ambition to make the switch to Camp Nou.
This bold stance comes at a tense juncture for Hansi Flick’s side, who prioritise backline reinforcement amid potential exits like Jules Koundé and a confirmed veteran striker departure.
The Germans’ defiance underscores Barcelona’s allure for Europe’s rising talents seeking title contention and tactical evolution.
The player doubling down is Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund’s commanding left-footed centre-back, whose contract nears its end, prompting a summer 2026 showdown valued at €70m.
Journalist Jose Araoz reports Schlotterbeck rejecting Dortmund’s lucrative extension—salary jumping from €2.5m to €8m—insisting he craves a “big club” move for trophies, explicitly naming Barcelona as ideal under Flick, his former national team debut giver.
Backlash erupted after his “Dortmund not elite enough” remarks, but he reaffirmed: “My ambition lies with Barça’s project.”
Schlotterbeck’s profile thrills Deco: progressive passing, aerial dominance, and high-line comfort suit Flick’s press, pairing perfectly with Pau Cubarsí as Koundé sale funds flow.
Borussia Dortmund fume, halting talks and eyeing sales to Bayern or Real Madrid rivals, but Schlotterbeck’s agent signals Barcelona openness, leveraging his 18 top-flight starts this term.
Barcelona shelved earlier doubts over his pace, now viewing him as a statement amid €180m shortlists and youth like PSG’s Emmanuel Mbemba.
Competition intensifies—Bayern Munich lurks, Real Madrid boosts—but Schlotterbeck’s public push gives Barça leverage for a cut-price deal if Dortmund balk at free-agent risk in 2027.
Flick craves his national team rapport for instant integration, elevating transitions beyond Ronald Araujo’s volatility.
Schlotterbeck’s gamble could materialise as Barcelona’s defensive cornerstone, turning controversy into coup.
Schlotterbeck’s unwavering Barcelona ambition could force Dortmund’s hand, delivering Flick a defensive cornerstone ready to anchor the Blaugrana’s title defence and Champions League push.
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