Borussia Dortmund sets a clear asking price on Nico Schlotterbeck as negotiations with Barcelona move closer.
Barcelona intensifies its defensive rebuild ahead of summer 2026, targeting technically gifted centre-backs to bolster Hansi Flick’s high-line system amid ongoing vulnerabilities exposed in La Liga and Europe.
Borussia Dortmund’s defensive rock, a left-footed powerhouse blending pace, aerial dominance, and progressive passing, emerges as a prime fit alongside pursuits of free agents like Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano, addressing Barcelona’s need for Bundesliga-proven discipline in a squad prone to transitional lapses.
That price tag stands at €50 million, a figure set by Dortmund according to Diario Sport, reflecting Schlotterbeck’s status as their cornerstone with nearly 150 appearances, seven goals, and 23 Germany caps since his €25m arrival from Freiburg.
At 26, his contract runs to 2027, but reports suggest he’s leaning towards departure, making this valuation a bargain for elite suitors given his 71% tackling success last season and Hummels-level potential in build-up play.
Barcelona views his speed and set-piece threat as ideal for Flick’s possession demands, especially with Inigo Martinez aging and youth like Cubarsi needing an elite partnership.
Dortmund’s stance aligns with reluctance to cheapen assets, mirroring strategies like Leverkusen’s with Jonathan Tah, while Bayern Munich lurks as rivals amid Schlotterbeck’s title frustrations under Niko Kovac.
His technical profile – dominant duels, corner conversions, and national team pedigree – positions him as a transformative addition, potentially eclipsing current options in a post-treble era hungry for Champions League revival.
Financially feasible at €50m, this pursuit tests Barcelona’s summer war chest post-Flick’s domestic success, with Schlotterbeck’s exit hints accelerating negotiations.
Success hinges on outbidding Munich pretenders, securing Nico Schlotterbeck, who elevates both defence and attack in Blaugrana ambitions.
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