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Barcelona are stepping up their courtship of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck despite the German club offering an improved contract to retain the centre-back. Former Germany coach Hansi Flick is reportedly a strong advocate of bringing his former international player to Camp Nou, though Dortmund remain confident of keeping the 26-year-old defender.
Barcelona Step Up Pursuit of Borussia Dortmund Centre-Back Nico Schlotterbeck
The Catalan giants are intensifying their efforts to acquire the German international despite Dortmund’s attempts to secure his long-term future with an enhanced contract offer. Hansi Flick, who previously worked with Schlotterbeck during his tenure as Germany national team coach, is said to be driving Barcelona’s interest in the defender as he looks to strengthen his squad at Camp Nou.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl and head coach Niko Kovac have both expressed confidence that Schlotterbeck wishes to remain at the club. Speaking to Sky Germany before Dortmund’s Bundesliga fixture against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, Kehl stated that contract negotiations were proceeding well and reiterated his optimism about retaining the player.
Kehl emphasized his belief in the defender’s commitment to the club, saying he thinks Schlotterbeck knows what he has at Dortmund. The sporting director added that he has repeatedly emphasized his positive outlook regarding the player’s future, suggesting the club remains hopeful of reaching an agreement on new terms with their key centre-back.
However, multiple German media outlets including Sky Germany, Sport Bild, and West Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung have described Schlotterbeck’s prospects of remaining with Dortmund as increasingly slim. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the 23-times-capped Germany international, adding further competition for his signature should he decide to leave Signal Iduna Park.
The defender is not being rushed into making a decision about his future, with his current Borussia Dortmund contract running until 2027. This gives all parties time to negotiate, though Barcelona’s intensified interest under Flick’s guidance suggests the transfer saga will continue to develop over the coming months as Europe’s elite clubs monitor the situation.
