Bundesliga defender with €50 million release clause is waiting for Real Madrid – report | OneFootball

It would not be an overstatement to say that Real Madrid are undergoing a defensive overhaul this summer transfer window.

Jose Mourinho has come to the Spanish capital with a crystal-clear idea of what he needs to fix in the squad to snap this two-year trophyless streak.

The club have already signed Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella, and have opened direct contact with the agent of Nico Schlotterbeck.

The German defender has been one of Borussia Dortmund’s best players and a top central defender in the Bundesliga for a few seasons now.

Now, according to Jose Felix Diaz (h/t Madrid Zone), Schlotterbeck is waiting for a move from Real Madrid, with his release clause set at €50 million.

Schlotterbeck keeps the door open

A player of Schlotterbeck’s level does not appear on the market easily, especially when he is left-footed, experienced and already tested at Bundesliga and international level.

Schlotterbeck wants Real Madrid move. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

He is comfortable building from the back, aggressive in duels and solid in one-on-one situations.

That profile is valuable for a Real Madrid side that wants control, but also needs defenders who can survive open spaces.

The 26-year-old only recently extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2031. However, it seems that he has a release clause that is quite favourable to interested clubs.

If the coach sees him as a fit, Real Madrid will naturally weigh that heavily. Defensive structure is always central to Mourinho teams, and a centre-back who can defend forward while also progressing the ball would give him more tactical security.

The €50 million figure is not cheap, but in the current market, it is not outrageous for a defender entering his prime.

Real Madrid must still be careful

Will Schlotterbeck join Real Madrid? (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The club should not rush simply because the player is waiting. Real Madrid already have several defenders at their disposal whose futures need to be sorted.

Still, this is the kind of opportunity that deserves serious consideration. If Schlotterbeck genuinely wants Madrid and the clause is within reach, the club may not get a cleaner opening later.

The player’s interest always matters, and who does not want to sign for Real Madrid?

If Los Blancos could convince a former La Masia graduate to sign for them in less than a day, it would not come as a surprise if they pushed ahead and completed Schlotterbeck’s signing before anyone realised.