United learn asking price for ball-playing Bundesliga defender also admired by Barcelona and Bayern – report

Manchester United’s search for a new centre-back has taken them to Borussia Dortmund, where Nico Schlotterbeck has earned rave reviews with a string of impressive performances. The Red Devils are laying down succession plans at the back, with Harry Maguire edging closer to the end of his contract. The English defender will enter the final six months of his deal in January, and his future remains shrouded in a cloud of doubt. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw will turn 31 next summer, and while he has been indispensable this season, the player’s recent fitness record does not make for a good reading. Lisandro Martinez recently returned from an ACL injury and has missed 102 games for club and country with fitness issues since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams in the summer of 2022. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Premier League giants have identified Schlotterbeck as the ideal candidate to reinforce their back line. Schlotterbeck not short of suitors The German defender is an integral part of Niko Kovac’s setup at Signal Iduna Park, and has registered 17 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga club this season. Nico Schlotterbeck Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Bundesliga10122–900′ UEFA Champions League5––––380′ DFB-Pokal2––––210′ Total17122–1,490′ Source: Transfermarkt. However, with Schlotterbeck’s contract due to expire at the end of next season, the player’s suitors are already lining up to secure his services. Barcelona are reportedly hot on his heels, although it has been suggested that the player prefers a move to Bayern Munich. For United, the 26 year old represents an opportunity to shore up the left-sided centre-back position. Schlotterbeck’s composure on the ball and reading of the game also make him a fine choice for the job. The Red Devils are expected to be in the race in 2026, and an update on the player’s future has now emerged. Dortmund set asking price According to BILD as relayed by SPORT, Dortmund are ready to let Schlotterbeck leave in 2026 for €50 million. The report, however, adds that Bayern could also be in the picture given their difficulties in renewing Dayot Upamecano, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The price tag could be a dealbreaker for Barcelona, given their poor financial situation, although it would be unwise to rule them out of the race. Meanwhile, United are expected to invest heavily in the midfield in 2026, and it is unclear whether they can afford the aforementioned sum. Final Thoughts United’s backline has struggled in recent times, and there remains an urgent need for reinforcements. While Matthijs de Ligt has been a revelation, the Red Devils have still conceded 24 goals in 16 games across competitions this season. Schlotterbeck’s possible arrival in 2026 could bring much-needed calm and composure to the backline. The Premier League giants, as such, are likely to keep a close eye on how the German defender’s situation unfolds. Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.