Mourinho identifies his next major Real Madrid signing; contacts established with agents | OneFootball

According to a report update shared by SPORT, Real Madrid have stepped up their interest in Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, with Jose Mourinho viewing the German as one of his priority targets to strengthen the heart of the defence.

Despite already reinforcing the backline with the arrivals of Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate, Real Madrid are not finished rebuilding their defence. 

Rather, the club continue to explore the market for another high-level centre-back, and Schlotterbeck has emerged as one of the most serious options under consideration.

The report adds that Real Madrid have already made contact with the player’s entourage in order to gather information about a possible summer move.

Next piece of Mourinho’s defence

The pursuit of Schlotterbeck shows just how determined Real Madrid are to overhaul a defensive unit that has faced criticism over the past two seasons.

Mourinho wants Schlotterbeck at Real Madrid. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

For now, Konate’s arrival has already added quality and experience, but Mourinho wants more depth and competition in central defence.

Schlotterbeck’s profile fits exactly what Real Madrid are looking for.

In that regard, Mourinho believes the German could become an important part of his long-term defensive project at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The club’s interest is also understandable when considering Schlotterbeck’s age profile. At 26, he is entering the prime years of his career and already possesses significant experience in both domestic and European competition.

Special clause in his contract

Schlotterbeck has a contract with Dortmund until 2031. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

What makes this story particularly interesting is the contract situation surrounding the defender.

Schlotterbeck recently signed a new Borussia Dortmund contract until 2031, a move that initially appeared to end speculation regarding his future.

However, it is said that the agreement includes a special release clause that can only be activated by a select group of elite European clubs, with Real Madrid among that group.

The clause is valued between €50 million and €60 million, a figure that Los Blancos are believed to view as manageable for a player of Schlotterbeck’s quality and experience.