Barça Backs Down, Madrid Opens the Door: Schlotterbeck Watch Heats Up
21 February 2026
Backstage of the Move
Barcelona has decided to bow out of the race for a top defender, clearing the path for their arch rivals and leaving Real Madrid with a clearer lane to sign a back line anchor.
According to Sport, Barca's sporting management has embraced a ruthless internal motto: if Madrid wants it, let them have it, signaling no auction and no bidding wars in this mercato.
Madrid's move centers on Nico Schlotterbeck, a German defender from Borussia Dortmund, after intensified monitoring in recent weeks. The club reportedly believes the deal is credible, pegged around 50 million euros.
The drive to strengthen the defense comes as questions linger over Eder Militao and as David Alaba's departure looms on June 30, opening a potential vacancy in Madrid's backline.
Even as Madrid assessed left footed options and opened talks with Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich, Schlotterbeck has emerged as the preferred target.
Madrid's choice rests on several reasons: his age is suitable, he has a strong personality, and Dortmund's contract runs until 2027, which helps the 50 million euro price tag look reasonable. The player himself is reportedly keen on a move to the Spanish capital.
As for Barca, though the club had previously shown interest and even offered the player a path, coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are in agreement that Schlotterbeck, though talented, does not fit Barcelona's current needs and system.
Those close to the player indicate Barca's withdrawal has been in the works for weeks, even amid Madrid's interest. Deco's plan instead points toward alternative routes, including an approach for Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan, as talks toward a potential agreement continue.
Ultimately, Schlotterbeck's exclusion from Barca's considerations is framed as a purely technical and strategic choice, with Barca seeking more speed in the defense to suit a specialized system.
Punchline 1: If mercato drama were a sport, Barca would be the guy filming the slow-motion highlight while Madrid takes the shot. Punchline 2: Barca staying put would be funny if transfers came with a speed limit—then again, this league runs on plot twists not pedals.
