Barcelona handed huge boost as key defensive target decides to leave current club - report | Barca Universal

"Barcelona have received a major boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, as Fichajes reports that the 26-year-old has now made the internal decision to leave the Bundesliga club. The development places Barça in a favourable position ahead of the 2026 summer window, in which elite European sides are expected to battle for his signature. Schlotterbeck has rapidly become one of the most sought-after centre-backs in Europe."

"Although his contract at Dortmund runs until 2027, and even with a renewal offer already on the table, the German international is attracting interest from some of the biggest institutions, including Barcelona, who see him as an ideal addition to reinforce Hansi Flick's defensive structure for the long term. What made him take this decision? The likelihood of his departure increased dramatically following Dortmund's surprising Champions League draw against Bodø. In the aftermath, Schlotterbeck made unusually strong public comments criticising the club's sporting direction."

"For a player considered one of the leaders inside the dressing room, these statements sent shockwaves through German football. They also intensified uncertainty behind the scenes at Dortmund, where relations between the defender and the board are reportedly strained. With tension rising and the player's ambitions now at odds with the club's current trajectory, a summer exit appears more probable than ever. Schlotterbeck wants a project that matches his competitive expectations, and several top clubs are ready to offer exactly that."

Nico Schlotterbeck, 26, has decided to leave Borussia Dortmund and is expected to attract bids in the 2026 summer window. His contract runs until 2027 and a renewal offer remains on the table, yet interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich is mounting. The defender publicly criticised Dortmund's sporting direction after a surprising Champions League draw with Bodø, creating internal uncertainty and strained relations with the board. Rising tension and mismatched ambitions increase the likelihood of a summer exit. Schlotterbeck seeks a project aligned with his competitive goals, and top clubs view him as a rare centre-back prospect.

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