Schlotterbeck: All my focus is on the World Cup

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has addressed questions regarding potential transfer interest from Real Madrid, insisting his primary focus is currently on his performance with the German national team at the World Cup.

The player recently signed a new contract with his current club, Borussia Dortmund, extending until 2031. However, a special release clause has put Spanish giants Real Madrid and English club Liverpool on high alert ahead of the summer transfer window. This specific clause is limited to only three teams, with Real and the Merseyside club confirmed as two of them.

Real Madrid's new head coach, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly prepared to activate the specific option in Schlotterbeck's contract with the Dortmund side, valued between 50 and 60 million euros. According to Sky Sport and Bild newspaper, the Madrid club has already contacted the 26-year-old defender's agent regarding a potential transfer this summer.

"Yes, of course, I hear about such things through the media, but essentially, as I said a few weeks ago, all my concentration right now is on the World Cup, on our first match," commented Nico Schlotterbeck, adding: "In Qatar, we saw how such an opening game can unfold. It's extremely important, which is why, even though I've heard about it, it's not on my mind at all."

Germany's first match at the 2026 World Cup is against Curaçao on June 14, followed by games against Ivory Coast on June 20 and Ecuador on June 25.