He stands Barça up and chooses Real Madrid: Florentino smiles

For months, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have closely followed one of the great defensive gems of European soccer. Both clubs know that strengthening the back line is not an option but a medium- and long-term strategic necessity. The difference lies in the urgency and in each club's context.

At Real Madrid, the absences have set off all the alarms. Raúl Asencio has been dealing with physical problems, Dean Huijsen hasn't had continuity, and Antonio Rüdiger still isn't at one hundred percent. This scenario has pushed the white club to speed up the search for a reliable center-back.

Schlotterbeck chooses his next step

In that context, Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged strongly. The Borussia Dortmund center-back has become one of the standout names on the market. His intention is to leave Germany in order to take a competitive leap in his career.

The German international is seeking titles, stability, and a leading role at the elite level, and he considers that Real Madrid brings together all those conditions. At Valdebebas, they have been looking for a left-footed center-back for some time. His profile fits because of his youth, personality, and immediate performance.

Total conviction at Valdebebas

According to DefensaCentral, Real Madrid value Schlotterbeck's competitive maturity very highly, even though he is still in a full growth phase. His anticipation, clean ball distribution, and reliability in one-on-one situations have convinced the coaching staff and the sporting management.

Moreover, his international experience and consistency in the Bundesliga reinforce the idea that he is a strategic signing. For the white club, strengthening the defense is an absolute priority for the coming years, and Schlotterbeck appears as a safe bet to lead that transition.

Dortmund accepts and LaLiga attracts

At Borussia Dortmund, they already accept that the scenario has changed. Although they dreamed of a long-term renewal, the player's will carries weight. With a contract until 2027, the German club knows that it will have to decide between selling now or risking losing value in the future.

The possibility of playing in LaLiga is particularly attractive to the center-back; the style, the visibility, and the constant fight for titles tip the balance. Barça showed interest, but their financial limitations have halted the deal, and Bayern do not convince Dortmund either. Meanwhile, in Madrid, Florentino Pérez smiles: the deal is moving forward along the path he expected.