Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck signed a contract extension with the club earlier this year, but fans weren't too impressed.
That's because his new terms had a release clause which if triggered, could see the German centre-back leave. And now, those fears are coming true.
Real Madrid want Schlotterbeck this summer
Fresh reports suggest Real Madrid are planning to activate Nico Schlotterbeck's release clause as the club looks forward to a summer of rebuilding under returning manager Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese has identified defense as one area that needs reinforcements while identifying Schlotterbeck as someone who could beef up their backline.
According to BILD, Los Blancos are interested in signing him this summer and said to be preparing a contract offer to send over to BVB with the hopes of opening negotiations at the earliest.
It all depends on Schlotterbeck's approval though the player is currently away in the United States with Germany's national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Real Madrid looking to activate release clause
One thing that particularly makes Nico Schlotterbeck an enticing prospect is the release clause added to his new terms which can be triggered with the right bid.
The player's release clause is valued between €50 million and €60 million, a figure that Real Madrid can realistically achieve in the market.
He's only 23, which means Schlotterbeck's signings can secure their centre-back position for the foreseeable future.
Schlotterbeck can develop into world-class prospect
Like many others before, Schlotterbeck could be on for bigger things away from Borussia Dortmund. At Real Madrid, he would not only play alongside some of the world's best players, but could also realize his full potential under Jose Mourinho's management.
Being one of the most astute tacticians of our times, Mourinho has a knack for developing young players across all his teams and Schlotterbeck could be the next big thing he uncovers in his illustrious career.
Who can replace him at BVB?
Should Schlotterbeck indeed leave, the BVB will be left with the task of finding a replacement.
Dortmund have been linked with a few centre-backs already this year, such as Werder Bremen's rising star Karim Coulibaly, who broke into their senior team last season and caught attention with his calm and confident displays.
Niko Kovac's former player Axel Disasi is another prospect identified as potential replacement for Schlotterbeck. At €15 million, he also sounds like a bargain, whereas Bayern Munich's Hiroki Ito could make a swoop to Dortmund in search of consistent gametime.
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