He has already decided, he won't renew to join Barça, Hansi Flick celebrates the news

Although yesterday's victory against Atlético de Madrid has helped calm things down, FC Barcelona isn't slowing down their activity in the transfer market. Hansi Flick is very clear about the team's strengths and weaknesses. That's why they've already mapped out an ambitious roadmap for next summer.

Hansi Flick has asked Deco to strengthen the full-back positions and the front line. Koundé and Balde are too alone, while everything suggests that Lewandowski will leave in the summer. However, the coach believes that the most pressing need for the squad is at the center of defense.

Hansi Flick's favorite won't renew: he wants to play for Barça

In this context, several very interesting names have emerged strongly. Guéhi, Konaté, and Upamecano's contracts all expire this summer, and they could arrive at Camp Nou on a free transfer. All three would be great additions, no doubt, but the reality is that Hansi Flick is backing another center-back whom he knows very well from his time with the German national team.

The chosen one is Nico Schlotterbeck. The Borussia Dortmund defender has become Hansi Flick's favorite option to lead the Barça backline alongside Pau Cubarsí. His contract expires in 2027, and in Germany, it's already practically assumed that he won't renew.

This decision means that Nico Schlotterbeck could leave Borussia Dortmund for free in 18 months. That possibility is very appealing to Barça, but Hansi Flick doesn't want to wait that long. That's why he's already spoken with Deco to bring his signing forward.

Hansi Flick agrees to pay for Nico Schlotterbeck

With Nico Schlotterbeck on the way out, Borussia Dortmund could decide to sell their star this summer so he doesn't leave for free in 2027. Hansi Flick knows this and believes that paying between €30 and €40 million ($32.6M–$43.5M) to secure his signing now would be a great move. That figure is considered reasonable for a center-back with his potential and influence.

Hansi Flick was the one who gave Nico Schlotterbeck his debut with the German national team. That connection makes it much easier for the coach to be convinced of what the defender can bring: defensive power, clean ball distribution, and leadership in the defensive line. The combination fits perfectly with the evolution Barça is seeking in their back line.

Beyond bringing in a forward or strengthening the full-backs, the real step up in quality for Barça will come at the center of their defense. If Nico Schlotterbeck's signing is finalized in 2026, Hansi Flick will celebrate in a big way. Otherwise, they'll have to wait until 2027 to find out where the German defender will end up.