Real Madrid have removed Nico Schlotterbeck from their summer transfer shortlist following the defender’s injury at the World Cup, according to The Athletic.
The Borussia Dortmund centre-back is expected to face several months on the sidelines after sustaining the problem while representing Germany. The lengthy recovery period has prompted the Spanish giants to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
Schlotterbeck had already slipped behind Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni in Real Madrid’s defensive targets before the injury struck. The 26-year-old German international is no longer being considered as the club prioritises alternatives who are available for immediate selection.
Release clause limited to elite trio
Despite Madrid’s withdrawal, Schlotterbeck could still depart Dortmund this summer for a fixed fee of €50 million. However, this release clause is reportedly only valid for a select group of Europe’s elite clubs.
According to reports, the €50 million option remains available exclusively to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool. With Madrid now out of the running, this leaves the Spanish champions’ El Clásico rivals and the Premier League side as the only clubs who could trigger the specific clause.
Any other interested parties would need to negotiate directly with Dortmund, potentially facing a higher valuation for the defender. The restricted nature of the clause suggests the player has a preference for moving to one of these specific destinations, or that Dortmund have structured the deal to control his next career step.
Implications for Dortmund
The injury setback comes at a crucial point in Schlotterbeck’s career, with the defender having established himself as a regular for both club and country. His absence will be felt by Dortmund at the start of the new season as they navigate domestic and European campaigns without his services.
The situation places Dortmund in a difficult position regarding any potential transfer, as buyers may be reluctant to invest heavily in a player who faces an extended spell on the treatment table. The club must now plan their defensive lineup without one of their key centre-backs for the opening months.
Barcelona and Liverpool may monitor Schlotterbeck’s recovery closely, though neither club has publicly confirmed interest in activating the clause. The coming weeks will determine whether the defender remains at Dortmund beyond the summer window or secures a move once fully fit.