Real Madrid’s management and coaching staff are fully aware that certain key areas must be reinforced ahead of next season. With spring approaching, the time has come to turn months of scouting and monitoring into concrete decisions. As is the case at every major club, planning is influenced by results, but the sporting department works with predefined objectives and clearly marked priorities. At Valdebebas, the center-back position is circled in red.

In recent months, several defenders have been linked with a move to Madrid, including Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, and Marc Guéhi. However, the name generating the most consensus internally is Nico Schlotterbeck. The Borussia Dortmund defender has a contract running until 2027, yet his reluctance to renew has prompted the German club to consider a sale as the most viable solution. In fact, Dortmund have already begun exploring the market for left-footed center-backs as potential replacements.

What has shifted in recent weeks is the intensity of Madrid’s monitoring. Reports on Schlotterbeck’s performances have grown increasingly positive, and the German international is now viewed as a serious candidate to strengthen the back line this summer. His profile, leadership and ability to build from the back fit the club’s evolving defensive structure.

Another factor working in Madrid’s favor is the strong relationship between the executives of Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, which could facilitate negotiations. The expected transfer fee is believed to be around €50 million. Under different contractual circumstances, the valuation might be higher, but with his deal set to expire on June 30, 2027, Dortmund may be inclined to accept a more moderate figure to avoid risking a lower return in the future.

********************************************************

You can now download the Madridista News App for free on the Apple Store and Google Play.

You can follow us on Facebook here.

You can follow us on X (Twitter) here.                                                                    

You can follow us on Instagram here.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

You can follow us on Telegram here.

You can follow us on TikTok here.

You can join our WhatsApp channel here.