Real Madrid never advanced talks for €50 million-rated German defender - Romano

Real Madrid’s pursuit of defensive reinforcement this summer will not include Nico Schlotterbeck, according to Fabrizio Romano. Romano says the Borussia Dortmund defender was never close to joining the Spanish club and was not involved in advanced discussions. The rumors grew after Real Madrid explored options for their back line despite already signing Ibrahima Konaté, with speculation increasing when Schlotterbeck’s new Dortmund contract included a release clause around €50 million under certain conditions. Real Madrid’s interest faded further because Schlotterbeck suffered an ankle injury during the World Cup with Germany and is expected to be out of competition for about two months. The injury is not viewed as a long-term problem, but Romano reports Real Madrid was unwilling to take unnecessary transfer risks since they prefer any arrival to be immediately available for preseason and squad adaptation. As a result, Schlotterbeck’s appeal is reduced compared with other fully fit options monitored by the club.