Barcelona have reportedly received a major boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. As reported by Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, the Germany international has made up his mind about leaving the BVB.
Schlotterbeck has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe in recent years. Barcelona are among the 26-year-old’s biggest admirers with Hansi Flick keen on his compatriot to bolster his defensive ranks.
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Schlotterbeck’s current deal at the Signal Iduna Park expires in June 2027 and Dortmund are reportedly ready to offer him a new deal. However, the left-footed centre-back has reportedly already decided to quit the club.
The defender made some strong public comments criticising the club’s sporting direction following Dortmund’s Champions League draw against Bodø/Glimt. His relationship with the club’s board are believed to be strained.
Therefore, reports claim that he could be on his way out of Borussia Dortmund soon. Apart from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both reportedly admire the technically gifted defender. Borussia Dortmund could reportedly be open to letting their star defender for a reasonable fee as he approaches the final 18 months of his deal.
Schlotterbeck joined Borussia Dortmund in 2022 from SC Freiburg for a reported fee of €25 million. He has made 140 appearances for the club so far and helped them finish runners-up in the 2023-24 Champions League.
Gerard Pique names four teams making it difficult for Barcelona to win the Champions League this season
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has named four clubs who could make it difficult for his former club to win the Champions League this season. He has claimed that Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be among the favourites.
The former Spanish defender has backed Hansi Flick’s high-line defensive system and tipped his side for success. He also insisted that Barca would be among the favourites for the Champions League alongside the four aforementioned sides. He said:
“In Europe too? Yes, why not? It’s clear that there are some very strong teams in Europe right now, and it looks like sooner rather than later, they’ll end up winning the Champions League. Arsenal, for example, or PSG, who won it last year. Add to that Real Madrid and Bayern, who I think have raised their game with Kompany, so obviously it will be difficult.”
Hansi Flick helped Barcelona win the domestic treble in his debut season with the Catalan giants. They did well in the Champions League too but lost against Inter Milan in the semi-final.
Edited by Snehanjan Banerjee
