Bundesliga defender set to stay at club amid Real Madrid interest | OneFootball

Real Madrid defensive target Nico Schlotterbeck will remain a Borussia Dortmund player for the foreseeable future, with any possibility of a transfer during the current summer window now effectively ruled out.

Indeed, according to BILD (h/t AS), the centre-back is no longer expected to leave the Bundesliga club, ending speculation that had linked him with a move to Real Madrid in recent months.

No summer exit on the cards

Schlotterbeck had emerged as one of the defenders admired by Real Madrid as they explored options to strengthen their backline, but a deal is now considered off the table.

Even though he signed a new contract earlier this year, the deal contained a special release clause which Los Blancos could have triggered to sign him this summer.

Real Madrid move off. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

However, as per the report, any opportunity to trigger a release clause has already expired, while the Germany international remains under contract with Dortmund until 2031, giving the club complete control over his future.

The Bundesliga giants have consistently maintained that they view the 26-year-old as a key part of their long-term project and will retain him at least for the upcoming season.

Recovery remains the priority

For now, Schlotterbeck’s full focus is on returning from injury.

The defender has been sidelined since suffering an ankle problem during Germany’s second group-stage match at the World Cup against Ivory Coast. The injury is expected to keep him out for several more weeks.

The injury severely hampered Scholtterbeck’s chances of securing a transfer to Real Madrid, with the move now completely off.

Schlotterbeck is recovering from an injury. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Borussia Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken recently provided an update on the defender’s recovery during the club’s pre-season preparations.

According to him, the expectation is that Schlotterbeck will return sometime in the autumn, although an exact date has yet to be determined.

What next for Real Madrid?

As for Real Madrid, new manager Jose Mourinho remains intent on signing another central defender even though the club secured Ibrahima Konate’s services earlier in the summer.

At the moment, Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as the preferred target for the Portuguese tactician.

However, Real Madrid maintain that they need to make some sales before signing any more players, with Raul Asencio being tipped for a departure, potentially creating room for Bastoni’s arrival.