➡️ Barcelona are seriously exploring a move for Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund’s 25-year-old center-back, ahead of the January 2026 transfer window. Reports suggest Barça are ready to offer €40 million to secure the German defender, who is viewed by Hansi Flick as the perfect fit for his high defensive line and pressing system.
Dortmund, however, are fighting to keep him — proposing a new deal until 2030 with a salary increase to €8 million per year, potentially naming him future club captain. Schlotterbeck’s current contract runs until 2027, but Barça’s pursuit reflects a long-term need for a left-footed center-back after Iñigo Martínez’s exit and doubts over Pau Cubarsí and Eric García starting regularly.
At 191 cm, Schlotterbeck offers aerial dominance, progressive passing, and leadership — the exact traits Flick demands. His 2025/26 stats speak for themselves: 2.17 tackles, 1.33 interceptions, and 86.8% pass accuracy per 90 minutes. Compared to stars like Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba, he ranks higher in defensive duels and interceptions, though he still needs consistency in concentration.
With Liverpool also monitoring the situation, this could become one of the biggest defensive transfer battles of 2026. Will Barça’s financial situation allow them to pull it off — or will Dortmund lock down one of Europe’s most promising defenders?
