Nico Schlotterbeck breaks silence on reported Real Madrid interest | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set to begin the 2026-27 season with a significantly changed backline than the one they had for the 2025-26 season. Two members of the last season’s backline, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, have already said their goodbyes to the Merengue club, while two new signings for this area have already been confirmed, i.e., Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.

However, the summer transfer window is still yet to be opened, and would last for quite a long time, during which more defensive reinforcements might arrive for Jose Mourinho. This is particularly the case as the Portuguese manager wants another player who can play well both as a left-back and a center-back, and Josko Gvardiol and Ricardo Calafiori are currently the favorites for this role.

Meanwhile, the Merengues are also keeping a broader list in case they are unable to land either of these two players, and the German center-back Nico Schlotterbeck is present at the top of this list. He recently renewed his contract with Borussia Dortmund, but a clause would allow him to leave for a side outside of the Bundesliga for €50 million.

Currently, the defender is in North America, with the German national team, vying for the World Cup. As Diario AS has reported, he was recently asked about this interest from Real Madrid. Schlotterbeck admitted that he is aware of such news, but still ensured that he was fully focused on the World Cup:

“Yes, of course you hear about those things through the media, but basically, as I said a few weeks ago, all the focus right now is on the World Cup and on the first match.”

Gvardiol and Calafiori are definitely more exciting options, especially as they are still young, and can play both on the flank and in the center of the defense. However, Nico Schlotterbeck would still be a decent alternative if Real Madrid are unable to land either of them.