Highly-rated Bundesliga defender monitored by Real Madrid ready to explore new challenge in his career | OneFootball

Real Madrid are expected to overhaul their defensive line in the summer of 2026, and the club’s plans are becoming increasingly urgent. 

With Eder Militao sidelined for at least four months and both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba approaching the expiry of their contracts, the situation leaves Los Blancos almost compelled to invest heavily in a top-level centre-back. 

One name that has consistently appeared on their shortlist is Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and fresh developments from Germany suggest that Real Madrid’s chances of securing him have improved considerably.

Schlotterbeck ready to leave Dortmund

According to Fichajes, Schlotterbeck has now made the internal decision to leave Dortmund after growing frustrated with the team’s lack of competitive progress. 

The turning point came after the club’s 2–2 draw with Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League, a result that further complicated their path in the competition. The German defender did not hide his anger afterward.

Speaking in the mixed zone, Schlotterbeck delivered blunt criticism of Dortmund’s collapse late in the match.

“After their second goal, we didn’t have any more chances to score.

“We played incredibly sloppy in the last quarter of an hour. That’s not good enough in a home game.”

Nico Schlotterbeck is ready to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Those comments have been widely interpreted in Germany as more than simple frustration. For many, his words signalled a deeper disconnect between the defender and the club’s sporting direction. 

As one of the strongest voices in the club, Schlotterbeck has made it clear that he expects a structure capable of matching his ambition. 

Although the club has not issued an official response, internal sources suggest that tensions between the player and board have escalated in recent hours.

Opportunity for Real Madrid

For Real Madrid, this shift represents a significant opportunity. 

Schlotterbeck remains under contract until 2027, but by the summer of 2026 Dortmund will be in a weakened negotiating position, particularly if the player continues pushing for an exit. 

His openness to leaving the Bundesliga. and the fact that Dortmund cannot afford to lose him for a reduced fee later, aligns perfectly with Madrid’s long-term planning.

If Real Madrid do decide to make a decisive move next year, they may find one of Europe’s most reliable centre-backs already leaning toward the Bernabeu.