Bundesliga club steps in to block Barcelona‘s pursuit of one of their key defenders.
Borussia Dortmund is reportedly taking proactive measures to retain their standout centre-back, Nico Schlotterbeck, amid growing interest from Barcelona. The German international remains a vital asset for the Bundesliga side, who are determined to keep him on their roster.
Barcelona’s Defensive Reinforcement Plans
Following the surprising departure of Inigo Martinez, Barcelona’s defensive options have been significantly weakened. This loss has compelled coach Hansi Flick to experiment with various centre-back pairings to stabilize the backline. Strengthening the defense has become a pressing concern for the Catalan club.
As a result, securing a new central defender is anticipated to be a top priority for Barcelona during the upcoming January transfer window or the summer. Spanish media outlets have placed Schlotterbeck prominently on their shortlist, with the player reportedly open to a move to the Camp Nou.
Dortmund’s Countermove to Secure Schlotterbeck
Reports from GFNS, citing BILD, reveal that Borussia Dortmund is fully aware of Barcelona’s and other elite European clubs’ interest in Schlotterbeck. In response, the club’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, has initiated talks with the player’s representatives to offer a contract extension.
The proposed deal includes a substantial salary increase, aiming to raise Schlotterbeck’s current annual wage from €2.5 million to approximately €8 million. This significant financial incentive underscores Dortmund’s commitment to retaining their defensive cornerstone.