How Real Madrid could beat the competition to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

Real Madrid has been actively exploring the transfer market for potential central defenders. With David Alaba set to leave this summer after his contract expires, the club is also monitoring Antonio Rüdiger’s situation, which will depend on how his body holds up for the rest of the season. William Saliba was on the radar but renewed with Arsenal, and Dayot Upamecano did the same with Bayern Munich. While Ibrahima Konaté’s contract is ending, he has yet to convince Madrid, leaving the focus on Nico Schlotterbeck, the 26-year-old German center-back who is under contract with Borussia Dortmund until June 2027.

A tricky but familiar negotiation

Dortmund is always a tough club to negotiate with, and Schlotterbeck is a highly sought-after player. Yet Madrid may have an edge thanks to long-standing relationships between the clubs.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, who served as Dortmund’s CEO for over two decades, is a personal friend of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez as well as club general director José Ángel Sánchez. Even during disagreements, such as over the Super League, these ties have held firm. The rapport continues with the current Dortmund leadership, led by Lars Ricken.

Proven success in transfers

These connections have produced results on both sides. The most notable recent example is Jude Bellingham, signed by Madrid from Dortmund in 2023 for €103 million ($120.6 million) plus €30 million ($35.1 million) in potential add-ons, despite having higher financial offers from other clubs. Watzke’s counsel was decisive, as he told AS in a 2024 interview, before the two clubs faced off in the Champions League final: “I always advised Jude that if he was set on leaving, he should consider Real Madrid. He listened. In the end, it’s the biggest club in the world.”

This is far from the only case. Nuri Şahin arrived at Madrid in 2011 before returning to Dortmund in 2014. Achraf Hakimi spent two excellent seasons in Germany on loan, and Reinier also went there, though he didn’t fully settle. Over the years, these deals - and several matchups - have fostered mutual respect: they faced off four times in 2012-13, again in 2013-14, in the group stages of 2016-17 and 2017-18, in the 2024 Champions League final, in the 2024-25 league phase, and even at last summer’s Club World Cup.

Dortmund keeps Madrid informed on Haaland

Some transfers didn’t materialize, but Dortmund still kept Madrid in mind. Erling Haaland’s departure to Manchester City came via a release clause. While the decision ultimately rested with the player, Dortmund reportedly kept Madrid informed as much as possible. The club chose not to pursue the Norwegian striker at the time, with Watzke noting, “I think Madrid already had a clear target in attack,” referring to Kylian Mbappé.

Florentino Pérez earns high praise

Watzke’s admiration for Florentino Pérez is evident. In his 2024 interview, he said, “Florentino is the boss. We have a close friendship. The only thing separating us is our opinion on the Super League. But personal relationships can withstand those debates. We’ve had our disagreements, I won’t deny it, but he always acted with respect. There’s no negotiation more respectful and transparent than with Real Madrid. I would never underestimate Florentino. He has reached the level of someone like Bernabéu. Madrid is his masterpiece. He’s a special person.”

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