Barcelona Are Showing Interest In This Borussia Dortmund Defender: Should Flick Go For Him?

In a recent report, Fichajes stated that Barcelona are showing interest in Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. It is understood that the Catalan club would have to rival Bayern Munich in the race to land the German centre-back next year.

Schlotterbeck’s Impressive Form In German Football Last Season

Schlotterbeck had an impressive campaign at the Bundesliga club recently after he put in a string of solid displays for them in the final third. The 25-year-old participated in 37 matches for the German outfit last season, picking up six assists in multiple competitions.

The German talent was a rock at the back as he made 38 tackles, 31 blocks, 22 interceptions and 79 clearances in the Bundesliga. He has even distributed the ball accurately from the back, based on his pass success rate of 89.2% in the German top tier (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Signal Iduna Park will expire in the summer of 2027, which could open the door for Barcelona to land him on the cheap at the end of this campaign.

Should Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick Go For Schlotterbeck?

Schlotterbeck is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He usually clears his lines when required and can even play his way out from the back.

Standing at 1.91m, the German sensation is a strong presence in the air as well and can chip in by securing the odd assist for his team. Schlotterbeck is primarily a centre-back but can also fill in as a left-back if asked to do so. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in La Liga.

Schlotterbeck would add more bite and steel to Barcelona boss Hansi Flick’s backline. He is more than capable of fighting for a regular starting spot at the Nou Camp in the coming years.

At 25, the best is yet to come from Schlotterbeck. Therefore, it makes sense for the Catalan giants to try everything they can to lure him to Spain this January or at the end of this campaign. He might even help Barca challenge for some major silverware in the future. Hence, Flick should focus on going for a defender of his quality next year.