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Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck for a potential summer move. This comes after reports that their primary target Leny Yoro is set to join Manchester United.
Los Blancos were highly interested in signing Yoro from LOSC Lille, as per Fabrizio Romano, with the youngster keen on a move as well. However, the Spanish giants were unwilling to match Manchester United's bid of €62 million for the 18-year-old, who had just one year left on his contract. Hence, the Frenchman is set to move to Old Trafford.
As per Relevo (via Madrid Xtra), the message from Real Madrid is that they won't sign another centre-back this summer. However, they are still attentive in the market to take the benefit of any potential opportunities. They are also monitoring Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck.
The German defender joined Dortmund from SC Freiburg in the summer of 2022 and has made 87 appearances for them so far. He helped them reach the UEFA Champions League final last season, where they lost against Real Madrid. He was also part of Germany's Euro 2024 squad and provided an assist in two appearances. They were, however, eliminated in the quarter-finals against eventual winners Spain.
Schlotterbeck's contract with BVB expires in 2027 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €40 million.
Real Madrid's defensive options look scarce on paper
Los Blancos had the best defense in La Liga last season, keeping 21 clean sheets and conceding just 26 goals in 38 games. This is despite missing first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and first-choice centre-back Eder Militao for most of the season due to their ACL injuries.
Moreover, David Alaba also suffered an ACL injury in December last year and is expected to be out until December 2024 at least. There are also concerns about the 32-year-old's ability to regain his form when he returns.
Real Madrid parted ways with club legend Nacho Fernandez upon the expiration of his contract last month. He joined the newly promoted Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. Hence, Los Blancos currently have Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Jesus Vallejo as their three centre-back options. Vallejo spent the last season on loan at Granada.
Real Madrid, at times, used defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a centre-back last season. They also put right-back Dani Carvajal in the centre-back position once.
Hence, Los Blancos arguably need to add more depth to their defense as they are set to compete in seven different competitions next season.
