Barcelona defensive target prioritises Real Madrid move in the summer – report | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as one of the main targets for FC Barcelona for the summer of 2026.

The 26-year-old appears set to leave the Black and Yellows in the summer, given that his contract expires in 2027 and he has no plans of signing a new one.

All of Dortmund’s attempts to renew his contract have failed so far, and the club will have to make a choice between cashing in on him next year or losing him for free in 2027.

Barcelona have positioned themselves as a suitor for the German international, as they are keen on adding a left-footed centre-back to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez’s exit last summer.

Schlotterbeck leaning towards Real Madrid

However, in a concerning development for Barcelona, Sky Sports Germany (via SPORT) reports that Schlotterbeck might be leaning towards a move to Real Madrid.

The German international would be willing to leave the Bundesliga in order to try his luck in La Liga, but his current choice would be Real Madrid, with preliminary contacts already taking place.

Schlotterbeck leaning towards Madrid. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Real Madrid, however, are also considering other options and are holding talks on several fronts.

If they decide not to pursue him, Schlotterbeck would then open the door to Bayern Munich, although he knows that his chances may be limited if the German champions manage to renew Dayot Upamecano.

Barcelona have shown interest in Schlotterbeck’s situation because they believe he fits their style very well. He is tactically intelligent, strong in his build-up play, and quick on the ground. Moreover, Hansi Flick rates him highly, having handed him his Germany debut.

However, the Blaugrana have alternatives lined up in case Schlotterbeck does not arrive, with Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio being one such option.

For now, Barcelona are closely monitoring developments with Schlotterbeck, although the player does not appear to consider them his first choice at this time.