Barcelona have been frequently linked with a move for Nico Schlotterbeck but have reportedly decided to give up on the Dortmund defender.
Real Madrid is now believed to be involved in securing the player, with Diario Sport quoting Barcelona as saying: 'Real Madrid will keep Schlotterbeck if they want him.'
The decision was made because Barcelona feels Schlotterbeck 'is not what Barça needs at the moment' and will instead try to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter.
According to Diario Sport, Barcelona wants more pace in their backline to fit the playing style under Hansi Flick, which is another reason they ruled out Schlotterbeck.
Meanwhile, Madrid is searching for replacements as David Alaba is set to leave, and there are doubts over Éder Militão’s future at Santiago Bernabéu.
Schlotterbeck is expected to cost around €50 million and, for now at least, it looks like he could be heading to Álvaro Arbeloa’s side in time for the 2026-27 season.
Is Barcelona right to give up on Schlotterbeck? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
