Real Madrid have reportedly ruled out a move for Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck.
The German international had been linked with the Spanish giants this year despite signing a contract extension in March.
With Jose Mourinho taking over the reigns at the Santiago Bernabeu, the club is looking for defensive reinforcements and had identified Schlotterbeck as one of the ideal candidates to strengthen a backline that was found wanting during a disastrous LaLiga title defense last season.
But according to The Athletic (via Yahoo Sports), club sources have ruled out a potential move for the 26-year-old suggesting that there could be a change in the plan. And it could mainly be down to the defender's harrowing injury sustained during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Schlotterbeck went off with a niggle during Germany's second group fixture against Ivory Coast and following medical examinations, was revealed to have a hamstring injury that is set to keep him sidelined for several weeks now, even missing the initial few games of the 2026-27 season.
Earlier reports indicated that Real Madrid continued to monitor the player despite injury concerns as Schlotterbeck's immense qualities made him an appealing prospect for the club. But Mario Cartagena has now revealed that he's out of the running for Los Blancos.
It effectively puts an end to all the transfer rumors as well as the chances of seeing Schlotterbeck signing any deal with the LaLiga powerhouses as Real Madrid are perhaps wanting players who could make an immediate impact in the new season and Schlotterbeck's condition right now rules him out for opening few weeks of their campaign.
The German international had signed a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund in March this year but fans weren't happy to see a release clause in his contract as it still leaves the door ajar for a departure if an appropriate offer came by.
Real Madrid were the club he was linked to the most, as the side were understood to be on the lookout for fresh legs in the centre-back position, especially with David Alaba's departure leaving a void there.
But it now seems like Schlotterbeck is set to continue for Dortmund, unless another club is willing to meet his release clause of approximately €50 million to €60 million and also, wait until he's fully recovered.
A modern centre-back blessed with exemplary positional awareness and an exceptional passing range, Schlotterbeck is a crunch tackler who also possesses supreme aerial prowess that saw him net five goals last season and emerge as Dortmund's defensive linchpin.
Add us as a preferred source on Google