No money, but they still want 125 million defender

Barcelona may be dreaming of big names and star signings in the coming months (in recent weeks, the most frequent topic in the Catalan press has been Harry Kane as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski). However, what Hansi Flick is currently thinking about—and probably dreaming of—is a reliable defender. It is true that Gerard Martín (21) has shown himself to be a perfectly solid solution in the heart of the defense alongside Pau Cubarsí in recent matches, but for the lofty ambitions of the Nou Camp giants, more is needed. After all, Martín is originally a left-back.

Thus, in light of recent developments—poor performances and Ronald Araujo being sidelined due to psychological issues, as well as the large number of goals conceded (the most among all teams in La Liga’s top six)—the German coach held talks with Barcelona’s sporting leadership and openly told them that he would like to have one of Germany’s best center-backs in his squad next season: Nico Schlotterbeck (26). The Borussia Dortmund defender is of interest to several elite clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, largely due to speculation that he has no intention of signing a contract extension with the Millionaires. There is no doubt that Schlotterbeck will be “hot property” in six months’ time, when he enters the final year of his contract, but anyone who decides to seriously pursue his signing will have to plan a very substantial budget for next season. It is precisely this financial aspect that the Catalan Sport has focused on while reporting on Barcelona’s interest.

While chasing Haaland, Barca eye his Norway teammate

The report says that the player will demand a high salary, considering that he would come as a free agent, and that fact alone is already a problem for Barca. Schlotterbeck had also been a Bayern idea when it became clear that negotiations over extending Dayot Upamecano’s contract would not be easy. At the time, it was said and written that the Bavarians were ready to offer 15 million euros per year. No to mention that player‘s family supports Bayern….The situation wouldn‘t be so easier even if Barcelona (or any other club) tried to sign him for a fee. Spanish ‘Sport‘ states that Borussia would not be willing to let the center-back go for less than 50 million euros, so, the total cost of the operation, assuming a five-year contract, could reach as much as 125 million euros. From this perspective it looks like a deal for the German international looks almost impossible.

UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE - MATCHDAY

Thursday

23.00: (1.45) AEK (4.30) CS Universitatea (7.75)

23.00: (1.67) AEK Larnaca (3.50) Shkendija (5.80)

23.00: (1.55) AZ Alkmaar (4.45) Jagiellonia (5.50)

23.00: (1.25) Celje (6.00) Shelbourne (11.0)

23.00: (1.28) Crystal Palace (6.25) Kups (12.0)

23.00: (2.35) Dynamo Kyiv (3.35) Noah (3.05)

23.00: (3.90) Lausanne (3.60) Fiorentina (2.05)

23.00: (1.30) Legia (5.80) Lincoln RI (9.00)

23.00: (1.63) Mainz (4.40) Samsunspor (5.00)

23.00: (2.60) Omonia (3.20) Rakow (2.85)

23.00: (1.20) Rayo Vallecano (7.75) Drita Gjilan (16.0)

23.00: (2.00) Shakhtar (3.60) Rijeka (4.10)

23.00: (1.90) Shamrock (3.50) Hamrun (4.20)

23.00: (3.20) Sigma O. (2.95) Lech Poznan (2.50)

23.00: (2.35) Slovan B. (3.65) Hacken (2.85)

23.00: (1.22) Sparta Praha (7.25) Aberdeen (15.0)

23.00: (1.25) Strasbourg (7.00) Breidablik (12.0)

23.00: (1.90) Zrinjski (3.40) Rapid (4.30)

***odds are subject to change***