Real Madrid centre-back target set to cost €50 million in the summer – report

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Madrid Universal

·15 December 2025

Real Madrid centre-back target set to cost €50 million in the summer – report

Real Madrid intend to strengthen their defensive line in the summer of 2026, having had issues this season, especially with David Alaba set to depart and Antonio Rudiger’s future uncertain as well.

While Xabi Alonso has been forced to find temporary solutions in the academy, the Merengues intend to address the issue permanently with a new signing in the summer.

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To that end, Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund has emerged as one of the most favoured targets for the La Liga behemoths.

The German international is out of contract in 2027 and has refused to sign a new one despite the Bundesliga giants’ best attempts.

As such, all indications are that Schlotterbeck will leave Dortmund in the summer, with Real Madrid watching the situation closely.

Schlotterbeck to cost €50 million

Now, according to BILD (h/t AS), Borussia Dortmund value Schlotterbeck at around €50 million amid his uncertain future.

Real Madrid are looking at Schlotterbeck. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Given that the defender has shown reluctance to sign a new deal, the next summer represents the final chance for Dortmund to get some substantial fee for him and avoid losing him for free in 2027, when his deal runs out.

Despite their insistence on wanting to renew him, the German outfit have seemingly placed a valuation of €50 million in case there is no agreement over a new deal.

Given his contractual situation, a number of top clubs are interested in Schlotterbeck, with Real Madrid one among them.

Meanwhile, reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also keeping an eye on developments surrounding the 26-year-old defender.

Reports have suggested that there is some degree of interest in the player from Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona as well.

Schlotterbeck is in his fourth season with Borussia Dortmund, having joined the club from SC Freiburg in 2022. The centre-back has played 17 times so far this term, even contributing with one goal and two assists.