Neither Guéhi nor Bastoni, the defender Hansi Flick likes plays for Dortmund: he's worth €40M

It's an open secret that Barça's priority for next season is to strengthen the center of the defensive line. Iñigo Martínez's departure has left Hansi Flick without a trusted defender and without a reliable partner for Pau Cubarsí. That's why the club is already working in the transfer market with the goal of bringing in a top-level center-back.

Deco, as sporting director, has opened the agenda in search of a very specific profile. Hansi Flick has requested the signing of a left-footed center-back who can provide solidity, clean ball distribution, and experience at the elite level. Among the candidates mentioned in recent weeks, there are prominent names like Guéhi and Bastoni, but the favorite plays for Dortmund.

Hansi Flick points to his favorite

Guéhi and Bastoni fit what the German coach is looking for, but the reality is that Hansi Flick is won over with a different player. His greatest desire is named Nico Schlotterbeck and he currently plays for Borussia Dortmund. With a market value of 40 million, he has become the number one priority for the culé bench.

Nico Schlotterbeck already made his potential clear last season in a direct clash against Barça. He showed himself to be a center-back with authority, able to dominate in aerial play and secure in individual duels. His good ball distribution makes him a very valuable asset for the style Hansi Flick wants to establish at Camp Nou.

Nico Schlotterbeck is what Barça needs

At 25 years old, Nico Schlotterbeck combines youth and experience in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. In addition, he has already played 20 matches with the German national team, which confirms his international projection. His height of 6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m) and his physical power make him a defender who is hard to beat and very complete.

Hansi Flick believes that, because of his characteristics, he would fit perfectly alongside Pau Cubarsí. The young Catalan center-back would gain a reliable partner to lead the culé defense together over the next decade. It's no coincidence that Barça has Nico Schlotterbeck as its absolute priority for the summer.

With a contract until 2027, Dortmund won't make his departure easy. However, the 40 million set by his valuation suggest a viable operation. Deco will follow Hansi Flick's guidelines and will do everything possible to complete the signing of Nico Schlotterbeck.

Barça fans are already dreaming of a duo formed by Pau Cubarsí and Nico Schlotterbeck. A defensive project that could define an era if it succeeds at Camp Nou. The truth is that, because of his profile and cost, the German center-back seems to be the ideal piece Hansi Flick needs.