Real Madrid can sign Schlotterbeck this summer despite his new deal, Bayern cannot

Borussia Dortmund centre-half Nico Schlotterbeck recently signed a new deal that keeps him with the German club until 2031, but the contract has an interesting purchase clause.

A few reports making the rounds reveal that he can still leave Signal Iduna Park this summer, if a top club comes calling.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Real Madrid are one of the few clubs that can activate Schlotterbeck’s release clause this summer. The fee is around €50-60 million.

Unfortunately, Bayern Munich are not one of those clubs, despite having monitored his situation for months.

Interestingly, the report mentions that even if the Bavarian giants want him in 2027, Dortmund will still be in control of the situation.

Schlotterbeck has caught the eye this season, winning 64% of his aerial and 62% of his ground duels in the Bundesliga.

He has helped his side keep nine clean sheets in 23 appearances while bagging four goals and an assist. His ability to break lines with his passing is remarkable.

On top of that, he is a natural-born leader, the type Real Madrid are crying out for at the back.

Los Blancos are poised to lose David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer this summer. Dean Huijsen continues to fight to acclimate himself to the Spanish top flight.

Meanwhile, Eder Militao is battling another long-term injury, and Raul Asencio is not good enough to be a starter.

Real Madrid need a new defensive pillar, and if the opportunity arises, they may pounce on Schlotterbeck.

Unfortunately, Bayern look set to miss out.

With Kim Min-jae poised to leave and Jonathan Tah entering the twilight of his career, getting another centre-half this summer is a must.

But they may have to look elsewhere for a new centre-half as it seems BVB fortified Schlotterbeck’s contract to ensure their rivals do not land him.