Key reason Barcelona are increasingly certain to miss out on key defensive target | OneFootball

Barcelona’s intention to strengthen their defence with a natural left-footed centre-back is no longer a secret, and the club’s sporting department continues to scan the European market for profiles. 

Among the names being carefully analysed is Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, a player whose situation has drawn attention well beyond Germany.

The 26-year-old centre-back is under contract with Dortmund until 2027, but there is little indication that a renewal is imminent. 

That uncertainty has placed him on the radar of several top clubs, including Barcelona. 

From a sporting perspective, Schlotterbeck fits many of the criteria the Catalan club are prioritising.

However, while the profile is appealing, the operation itself is far from straightforward. 

Another financial hurdle

Salary expectations represent a significant hurdle for Barcelona, particularly given the club’s ongoing struggle to operate freely under Financial Fair Play restrictions. 

Nico Schlotterbeck’s salary situation would be a problem for Barcelona. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Schlotterbeck’s financial demands, when placed in the current economic context at the Spotify Camp Nou, could make any serious move extremely complicated.

According to BILD, as relayed by SPORT, Dortmund currently offer Schlotterbeck a gross annual salary including bonuses of around €14 million, while Bayern Munich, one of the interested clubs, could push that figure to €15 million per season. 

On top of that, Dortmund are in no rush to sell and would demand at least €50 million to consider a transfer.

For Barcelona, that would mean committing to a total package of approximately €125 million over a five-year contract. 

Whether such an investment is realistic in the near future remains uncertain, especially as the club continues to balance sporting ambition with strict financial limitations. 

As things stand, Schlotterbeck represents an ideal solution on paper, but one that may ultimately prove too costly in practice.