Betrayal! Hansi Flick is stunned as his favorite protégé leaves for Real Madrid

Barça are once again showing signs of solidity in a season that began with doubts, but is gradually taking shape. The team has found a defensive balance point that allows them to compete with more calm and precision. The structure of the unit has improved, and this is especially noticeable in big matches, where Barça no longer convey fragility.

Even so, at Camp Nou there is certainty that, in order to make a definitive leap in quality, it is necessary to strengthen the defense with a world-class center-back. The sporting management have been working on this idea for months, aware that the squad needs another leader in the back line. The demands of the schedule and injuries have made it clear that organization alone is not enough; hierarchy is also required.

Hansi Flick shares this vision and has long insisted on the need to bring in a dominant profile. The German coach believes that the arrival of a new defender would raise the team's overall competitiveness. In addition, he understands that certain matches require a center-back capable of correcting extreme situations, winning duels, and organizing the rest of the unit.

Hansi Flick amazed upon learning what his favorite will do

In this context, one of the names that caused the most excitement at Barça was Nico Schlotterbeck, a footballer Flick knows well. The German center-back combines anticipation, clean ball distribution, and well-managed aggression. For the culé coach, his signing is a perfect market opportunity.

However, the situation has taken an unexpected turn that has left the coach completely stunned. Nico Schlotterbeck, far from moving closer to Barça, would be betting on a move that would take him to the Catalans' biggest rival. Yes, because the Dortmund star is seriously considering a transfer to Real Madrid.

Nico Schlotterbeck's future points far from Hansi Flick

This information has come as a cold shower to Barça's sporting management, who saw Nico Schlotterbeck as a realistic target for the next transfer window. Hansi Flick was optimistic about the possibility of reuniting with the center-back he gave his debut with the German National Team, but now he feels betrayed. The disappointment is evident, because it seemed to be a strategic signing for the project.

In Nico Schlotterbeck's circle, they assure that the possibility of wearing white is not out of the question, especially if Real Madrid decide to strengthen a defense that is already looking to the future. Meanwhile, Barça will have to look for another target to strengthen their back line next summer.