- Manchester United monitoring Nico
- BVB star using Red Devils for new deal
- Unlikely to leave Bundesliga side
Manchester United are interested in signing a center-back this summer and are keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck.
The German defender is entering the final year of his contract at the Signal Iduna Park this summer and is yet to pen a new deal. The center-back continues to be linked with a move away from the club.
According to Ben Jacobs on The United Stand, Schlotterbeck will be a target for the Red Devils only if he does not extend his contract at the Bundesliga club. The Old Trafford side are unwilling to waste time if the 26-year-old is unwilling to push for an exit.
Nico Schlotterbeck Update
The report of Manchester United‘s interest comes just days after Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel that Schlotterbeck’s agency were close to reaching a verbal agreement with Borussia Dortmund. He added that the new deal was going to see him extend his stay until 2031:
“That verbal agreement between Nico Schlotterbeck’s agency and Borussia Dortmund is almost done – new contract valid until 2031, improved salary for Schlotterbeck (one of the best earners in Borussia Dortmund and one of the best earners for Bundesliga defenders.”
“Also including a release clause from summer 2027, in excess of €60m–65m [£52m-56.4m]. So everything is set to be completed between Schlotterbeck’s camp and Dortmund. What’s needed is the final green light from the player. Let’s see what it’s going to be… Borussia Dortmund are confident to keep the player.”
Liverpool and Real Madrid were also linked with a move for the German defender this summer. He is a highly-regarded left-footed centre-back who can even play at left-back.
Manchester United Used for New Deal?
Nico Schlotterbeck seems to be another defender who is using Manchester United’s name as leverage for a new deal at his current club. The German is a talented defender, but he should not be the player the club should waste time on this summer.
The extension of Harry Maguire should be enough for the time being, and the focus should be on getting a left-back rather than a centre-back. Moreover, the need of the hour at Old Trafford is two midfielders, with Casemiro leaving, and the future of Manuel Ugarte hanging in the balance.
Signing a centre-back should be pushed for in 2027, with the transfer funds mainly allocated to the midfield and a left-back. With Schlotterbeck’s new deal reportedly including a €60 million release clause, the Red Devils can revisit any interest with a clear understanding of the fee they would have to pay.
