Real Madrid continues to work on strengthening its ranks in preparation for the new season, with a clear focus on strengthening the back line, despite its recent success in sealing the deal for French defender Ibrahima Konate, in response to the desire of Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who is still demanding the addition of a new defensive element to the team’s lineup.
According to what was reported by the Spanish newspaper “Mundo Deportivo”, German defender Niko Schlotterbeck has become one of the most prominent names on the table for the Royal Club during the summer transfer period, In light of the great technical conviction that Mourinho enjoys and his ability to provide the required addition in the center of defence.
Schlotterbeck, who is 26 years old, is one of the players that Real Madrid has been tracking for some time, as his name remained present on the list of candidates to strengthen the defense even after renewing his contract with Borussia Dortmund, especially since there is a possibility of his leaving the German club during the current summer.
The newspaper indicated that the player’s new contract includes a clause that allows him to leave. Dortmund has approached a number of major clubs, including Real Madrid, for a value ranging between 50 and 60 million euros, a condition that has become applicable during the summer transfer market.
At the same time, the interest of the Real Madrid management is not limited to Schlotterbeck only, as it continues to study several other options to strengthen the defensive line, but the German defender is seen as the most realistic option from a financial standpoint compared to some of the other names proposed.
Among the alternatives that are also of interest to the club, Portuguese defender Thomas stands out. Araujo, the Benfica player, is greatly admired by Mourinho, especially after following his development in recent years, as the Portuguese coach sees him as one of the elements capable of providing an addition to the new sporting project in the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, the most prominent obstacle to completing the Araujo deal remains the high financial demands of Benfica, which is insisting on obtaining the value of the release clause in the player’s contract amounting to 80 million euros, which makes it an option. Schlotterbeck is more attractive to the Real Madrid management at the present time.
It seems that the coming weeks will be decisive in determining the identity of the new defender who will join the ranks of the Royal Club, as the management seeks to provide all the necessary tools for Mourinho to compete strongly for various titles during the next season.