- Manchester United interest in Schlotterbeck confirmed
- German defender is highly sought-after
- Potential fee is more than reasonable
Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed Manchester United are interested in Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The German centre-back is highly coveted and seems likely to be on the move this summer.
Schlotterbeck is a left-footed central defender who can also play at left-back. He’s earned plenty of praise this season and has also been linked with Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old has made 21 Bundesliga appearances, scoring four goals and registering two assists. He’s certain to be on the plane to the World Cup with Germany.
Manchester United ‘Interested’
Plettenberg gave an update on Schlotterbeck’s situation while speaking on Sky Sport DE. He claimed that United are showing interest while an unnamed club have made contact with Dortmund:
“I can confirm that Man United are interested in Nico Schlotterbeck. If he doesn’t renew his contract, he’ll be available in the summer for €30m — €35m.”
Schlotterbeck has also garnered interest from Liverpool, who are eyeing a new centre-back despite the impending arrival of Jeremy Jacquet. It appears that several clubs are circling for the German’s signature.
For United, their potential move for the player might stem from uncertainty over Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch defender has been sidelined since December with a back injury, and his situation has been a real concern.
The Reds have also been dealing with constant injury setbacks to Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine is back in training after a spell out with calf discomfort, but his lack of availability in recent years has been problematic.
Harry Maguire’s contract is set to expire in June, but it looks increasingly likely that he will sign an extension. But the Reds seem keen to add a new left-sided central defender to the squad ahead of a likely return to Champions League football.
Going German?
Schlotterbeck has just over a year left on his contract, which puts Dortmund under pressure to cash in on him this summer. He’s been at Signal Iduna Park since July 2022, when he arrived from Freiburg.
A new centre-back hasn’t appeared to be the priority for United ahead of the summer transfer window. A new midfielder is on the agenda as Casemiro has confirmed he will leave when his contract is up in June.
There are indications that INEOS intend to back Michael Carrick or another permanent coach with at least two new midfielders. Champions League qualification appears to be playing a crucial role in their summer plans, and adding a new defender might be one of them.
