Barcelona well-positioned to sign Bundesliga defender; Flick could be the key | Barca Universal

"Barcelona are in the market for a new left-footed centre-back for next season, with Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck one of the names very well-liked by the club. The Blaugrana are eager to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez's departure last summer, with the German international being seen as a good fit for the project. Now, according to BILD (h/t SPORT), Barcelona are now well-positioned to secure the signing of Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund in the summer."

"Schlotterbeck's contract runs until 2027, and, so far, all attempts by Borussia Dortmund to renew it have failed. Meanwhile, his camp has explored options and knows that Barcelona's interest is growing. Moreover, Schlotterbeck has already ruled out a move to Liverpool, as the English club have cancelled negotiations. They wanted him this January, but Dortmund will not sell now, so they have withdrawn their interest."

"Given these developments, Barcelona are beginning to believe that they have serious chances to complete his signing, and Hansi Flick could be the decisive factor. The current Barcelona coach gave him his debut with the German national team, and there is a good understanding between them. For the coaching staff, Schlotterbeck would be a good fit in the team because of his defensive authority, his left-footed ball progression, and his personality on the pitch. However, the final transfer fee could be the deciding factor."

Barcelona target a left-footed centre-back for next season and are particularly interested in Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. Schlotterbeck's contract runs until 2027 and Dortmund's renewal attempts have so far failed, prompting his camp to explore options while Barcelona's interest grows. Liverpool withdrew after failed January negotiations and Bayern have prioritised renewing Dayot Upamecano. Hansi Flick's relationship with Schlotterbeck, plus the player's defensive authority, left-footed ball progression and on-pitch personality, make him a good fit for Barcelona. Dortmund could keep him for the final contract year or sell; his valuation is €40 million, which Barcelona want to avoid.

Read at Barca Universal