Real Madrid defensive target expected to cost around €40 million this summer

Madrid, Spain – With the summer transfer window still months away, Real Madrid have already prioritised reinforcing their central defence after a season disrupted by injuries and the looming possibility of departures for both David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger. Among the candidates on the club’s shortlist is Borussia Dortmund’s Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck, who, according to German outlet BILD, is valued at approximately €40 million by his current employers.

Schlotterbeck, 26, is contracted to Dortmund through 2027 and has so far resisted the club’s attempts to extend that deal. The Schwarzgelben have put a lucrative offer on the table worth a reported €14 million per year and are prepared to insert a release clause to give the defender a future exit route. A fresh round of talks between the player’s representatives and Dortmund officials is scheduled, as the Bundesliga side push to convince the centre-back to commit his long-term future to the Westfalenstadion.

Real Madrid’s interest remains firm, yet the Spanish giants have also elevated Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté to the top of their defensive wish list, a development that, per BILD, has marginally improved Dortmund’s hopes of retaining Schlotterbeck. Nevertheless, Spanish media outlets maintain that the prospect of moving to the Santiago Bernabéu continues to appeal to the left-footed defender, who is expected to take his time before determining the next step in his career.

As the saga unfolds, the €40 million price tag attached to Schlotterbeck sets an early benchmark for what could become one of the summer window’s most closely watched defensive negotiations.