‘Let Real Madrid have him’ – Why Barcelona are giving up on Nico Schlotterbeck

Barcelona have officially ended their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, clearing the path for Real Madrid to step in as the leading candidate for the Germany international’s signature.

According to Diario Sport, the Catalan club’s message to intermediaries has been blunt: “Let Madrid keep Schlotterbeck if they want him.” The decision, taken after weeks of internal debate, hinges on two key factors: tactical fit and long-term squad planning.

Coaches and analysts inside the club have concluded that Schlotterbeck “is not what Barça need at the moment,” particularly under head coach Hansi Flick, whose high-line system demands defenders with elite recovery pace. The 24-year-old’s left-sided profile was initially viewed as an ideal complement to Ronald Araújo, but the staff now believe they require faster coverage in transition.

Barcelona have already identified an alternative target, with Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni emerging as the preferred option. The Italian international is seen as a better match for the tempo Flick wants to impose, and talks with Inter are expected to intensify once the summer window approaches.

While Barcelona pivot, Real Madrid are accelerating their plans. David Alaba is set to leave the Bernabéu, and lingering uncertainty surrounds Eder Militao’s long-term future, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side short of proven left-footed centre-backs. Club officials have green-lit a move for Schlotterbeck, who is valued at roughly €50 million, and negotiations could progress quickly if Dort soften their stance.

Timing remains fluid. Sources close to the player suggest a transfer is more likely to materialise ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, giving Madrid room to structure payments and offload surplus defenders. For now, Schlotterbeck continues to feature for Dortmund, but the expectation inside the dressing room is that his future lies in Spain—just not at Camp Nou.

Barcelona’s withdrawal raises immediate questions among supporters: are the club right to walk away from a young, Bundesliga-proven defender? The answer, at least from the technical staff, is an unequivocal yes. Pace, they insist, is non-negotiable in Flick’s model, and Schlotterbeck’s attributes no longer align with that vision.

As the saga shifts across Clásico lines, Madrid could secure a major defensive reinforcement without competition from their fiercest rivals, while Barcelona gamble on a swifter, Serie A-tested replacement to anchor their back line for the next decade.