Real Madrid can still sign top Bundesliga defender for €50-60 million despite renewal announcement | OneFootball

After months of speculation over his future in the coming summer, Nico Schlotterbeck has finally decided to renew his contract at Borussia Dortmund.

The German international has penned a fresh deal until 2031, which, in most cases, should be enough to seal his immediate future in Dortmund.

However, things are a bit more nuanced when it comes to Schlotterbeck, who is regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe with the quality to play for any club in the world. This is where things get particularly interesting for Real Madrid, a potential suitor.

Real Madrid can sign Schlotterbeck for €50-60 million

As revealed by Kicker (h/t AS), Schlotterbeck has a special clause embedded in his long-term contract at Dortmund, which can be activated as early as this summer by a select number of clubs.

Schlotterbeck could still leave Dortmund in the summer. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images)

The value of the release clause has been set at somewhere around €50-60 million, thus leaving the door open for the German to leave Dortmund much earlier than his contract expires in 2031.

The report adds that the renewal is more about helping Dortmund yield a solid sum for Schlotterbeck through his eventual sale, rather than securing a long-term future for the defender.

One would expect Real Madrid to be a part of the list of eligible clubs that can activate the German’s €60 million release clause next summer.

The Spanish giants already harbour an excellent relationship with Borussia Dortmund, with the two clubs having been involved in multiple deals in the recent past, including Jude Bellingham.

The renewal, therefore, is certainly not all that bad for Los Blancos, who may appear as one of the most likely destinations for Schlotterbeck once his patience runs out at Dortmund.