Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck was a valuable player in the squad throughout the 2025-26 season. His form might have wobbled a bit as the season wore on with the German guilty of several goals conceded, but there was no doubting his place in the side.
Signed on a €25 million fee from Union Berlin, the defender has since grown into a quality centre-back, especially under Niko Kovac, whose back-three system allowed him to utilize his qualities to the maximum potential.
Yet, there's a discomforting uncertainty lingering over Schlotterbeck's head right now. His contract runs until 2031 but rumors indicate he could be put on sale as the club looks to raise funds for their squad revamp.
Here are three candidates who could come in as his replacement:
Karim Coulibaly
Just 19, Karim Coulibaly is fancied by Dortmund's new sporting director Nils-Ole Book, who sees the teenager as a potential defensive reinforcement in case Schlotterbeck departs.
Coulibaly enjoyed a breakout year at Werder Bremen in 2025-26 season, coming into the senior team after his development in their youth side and drawing attention for his pace and ball control.
He made 27 appearances for the River Islanders in the league, which is a good number considering it's only his first top-flight campaign in the side.
Dortmund's track record for developing young talents mean Coulibaly could be set for bigger things at the Signal Iduna Park if he decides to jump ships.
Hiroki Ito
With first-team chances hard to come by at Bayern Munich, Hiroki Ito has emerged as a surprise transfer candidate for Borussia Dortmund, who can guarantee him regular first-team opportunities.
In two years at Bayern, the Japanese has played only 22 Bundesliga games, which is criminally low for a player of his talents. Ito's passing range and ability for making vital clearances are appealing to BVB.
Axel Disasi
Earlier this season, it was reported that Die Borussen had identified Axel Disasi as a potential replacement for Nico Schlotterbeck. According to Transfermarkt, his market value right now is only about €15 million which sounds like a bargain.
As his loan spell at West Ham United ended in a relegation from the Premier League, the 28-year-old defender could be on the move again. Having played under Kovac before at AS Monaco, Disasi might fancy plying his trade under the astute Croatian again as he attempts to find his best once more.
Add us as a preferred source on Google