FOOTBALL
By Eishna Rawat
Posted on June 20, 2026 5:00 pm | Updated on June 20, 2026 12:48 pm Nico Schlotterbeck has expressed his desire to join Real Madrid, snubbing Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool is one of England’s most iconic football clubs, competing in the Premier League and European competitions like the UEFA Champions League. Known for its attacking style, legendary players, and passionate fanbase, Liverpool has a rich history of domestic league… Read More about LIVERPOOL
The summer transfer window is buzzing, and the latest news coming out of Liverpool puts them in a tough spot. Nico Schlotterbeck is one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders. He has reportedly decided where his future lies, and it isn’t at Anfield. The Borussia Dortmund defender has made it clear he wants Real Madrid.
Nico Schlotterbeck Has Eyes Only for the Bernabeu
For months, the German defender had been on the radar of top football clubs across Europe. As reported by TEAMtalk, both Real Madrid and Liverpool were among the select few clubs able to trigger a release clause in his Borussia Dortmund contract. The fee sits between €50 million and €60 million. That clause is time-sensitive, too. It reportedly expires around July 19, so that left little room for delay on either side. Very few clubs across Europe have that kind of access.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Nico Schlotterbeck wants to play for Real Madrid alongside his German teammate, Antonio Rudiger. The report states he has made his desire known from the very beginning.
Rudiger has not stayed quiet on this either. He publicly welcomed the idea of the Dortmund man joining Los Blancos. He said, “Good players are always welcome,” also praising the defender’s aggression in duels and his build-up play, adding that “his left foot is gold.” That kind of public endorsement from a teammate rarely goes unnoticed. It adds real weight to the move.
Nico Schlotterbeck for Dortmund in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Defensive Contributions
Bundesliga 28 5 216
DFB Pokal 2 0 7
UCL 7 0 48
Why This Hurts Nico Schlotterbeck’s Premier League Suitors
The Premier League club was in active talks over the German defender as recently as late May, as reported by TEAMtalk. Konate left as a free agent, and Trent Alexander-Arnold also departed for Spain. Manager Andoni Iraola was clearly looking to rebuild the backline. Nico Schlotterbeck had emerged as a logical solution. He is experienced, left-footed, proven in big European nights, and available at a fixed price.
The depth at centre-back with Jeremy Jacquet and a returning Giovanni Leoni provides some cushion. But both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are now in the final year of their deals, as reported by GiveMeSport. A long-term solution at the back was needed. That urgency made Nico Schlotterbeck a key target in the transfer market this summer.
Now, with Madrid firmly in the driving seat, the Reds are left to rethink. It isn’t just a transfer blow. It’s the second time this summer that the Spanish giants have beaten them to a key defensive target after the Konate situation. It is a pattern that will concern those at Anfield.
Real Madrid’s Push and What Comes Next for the German Centre-Back
As reported by World Soccer Talk, Jose Mourinho sees the 26-year-old as a smart long-term investment. Even with Rudiger’s contract renewed, they want another quality option in defence. Nico Schlotterbeck fits that profile well.
As reported by Tribuna, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg confirmed that Real Madrid are among the few clubs with access to the release clause. That puts them in real control here. The clause won’t be active for the whole window, so Madrid needs to move fast and decisively.
The BVB man signed his new Dortmund deal only in April. It made him the club’s top earner. But the clause was always designed to open a door for the right moment. For him, Madrid is clearly that moment. At 26 and at the peak of his powers, this move could define his career. Liverpool, meanwhile, will need to look elsewhere and do so quickly.
Read Next: Darwin Nunez set for stunning Liverpool comeback twist
Read More: Sander Berge dream revealed as Man Utd eye summer move
Also Read: Hugo Ekitike Targets Boxing Day Return for Liverpool
Follow the latest updates from Premier League, La Liga and Champions League, or explore more Football stories, Football Teams & All Football Competitions . Follow more updates on LIVERPOOL and REAL MADRID. You can also check Latest Sports News or visit Six Sports for more Football updates.
Eishna Rawat
Mentioned in this Article