Liverpool, Bayern Munich join Barcelona in hunt for in-demand Bundesliga defender | OneFootball

Barcelona’s plans to strengthen their defence have suffered a clear setback, with a new report from CER revealing that competition for Nico Schlotterbeck is intensifying. 

According to the update, the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich have now entered the race, significantly complicating Barcelona’s pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund defender.

Barcelona’s interest in Schlotterbeck is not new. The club has been actively studying the market for a top-level centre-back, but a January move has already been ruled out. 

Instead, the Blaugrana are working with a longer-term plan, targeting the summer of 2026 to make a decisive defensive signing. 

Within that strategy, Schlotterbeck has emerged as one of the most highly rated options on the internal shortlist.

The reasoning is straightforward. Schlotterbeck is widely viewed as a defender capable of anchoring the back line of a team competing for the Champions League. 

At present, Borussia Dortmund are not seen as clear favourites for Europe’s biggest prize, and that context has placed the German international’s future under the spotlight.

There is a strong competition

Barcelona are facing competition for Nico Schlotterbeck. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Contractually, the situation is delicate. Schlotterbeck is tied to Dortmund until 2027, but there has been no progress towards a renewal. 

Reports suggest an extension is unlikely, which explains why his name continues to be linked with several European heavyweights, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and even Real Madrid.

For Dortmund, they may be forced to choose between selling Schlotterbeck while his value remains high or risking him running down his contract and leaving for free in the future. 

This is not a routine call becuase Schlotterbeck is more than just a centre-back, he is a leader, a ball-playing defender, and a player entering his prime.

From Barcelona’s perspective, the growing list of suitors represents a serious obstacle. 

With Bayern and Liverpool both able to move faster and spend more freely, the Blaugrana face an uphill task unless they can convince the player with a clear sporting project.