Barcelona face a nightmare scenario as arch-rivals Real Madrid surge ahead and prepare to hijack their flagship target right at the death.
As both Spanish giants navigate their defensive vulnerabilities amid injury crises and contract uncertainties, a Bundesliga standout has emerged as the unexpected flashpoint.
Real Madrid has a growing conviction that it can outmaneuver Barcelona, leveraging superior financial muscle and a more aggressive scouting network.
The player at the center of this El Clásico transfer battle is none other than Nico Schlotterbeck, the commanding Borussia Dortmund center-back whose stock has skyrocketed this season, as reported by Fichajes.
At 25, the German international blends physical dominance, sharp defensive anticipation, and precise ball-playing ability, making him a perfect fit for elite backlines.
His performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League have drawn admiring glances from the Santiago Bernabéu and Camp Nou, but Madrid’s interest feels more urgent.
With David Alaba’s likely exit and Antonio Rüdiger’s future in limbo, Xabi Alonso views Schlotterbeck as the ideal long-term partner for Éder Militão.
Barcelona, meanwhile, has been quietly monitoring Schlotterbeck as a potential upgrade on their aging defense, especially with Ronald Araújo’s form under scrutiny and injuries plaguing the squad.
The Catalans marked him as a “red-hot priority” months ago, but financial constraints—stemming from ongoing economic recovery—have stalled concrete moves.
Real Madrid, buoyed by recent youth investments like Dean Huijsen and strong La Liga positioning, senses an opening to pounce first.
Insiders whisper that Florentino Pérez is prepared to activate Schlotterbeck’s rumored €60 million release clause, a figure Dortmund might accept to fund their rebuild.
This rivalry extends beyond the pitch, reigniting the eternal Clasico war in the boardroom. As summer 2026 looms, Schlotterbeck’s decision could reshape both clubs’ defenses.
For now, Real Madrid holds the aces, positioning themselves as the hijackers in this high-stakes chase.
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