Man Utd now want to sign Bundesliga star available for £31m - Journalist

Manchester United could enter the transfer market for a central defender during the summer.

The Red Devils are on the verge of extending Harry Maguire’s contract, but there is room for another quality addition with the injury concerns for Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.

Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed that United are interested in landing Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, who could leave for a knockdown price this summer.

The German’s contract at Dortmund expires at the end of next season. If he does not renew, the 26-year-old could be available for £26 million to £31 million during the next transfer window.

Plettenberg said: “I can confirm that Man Utd are interested in Nico Schlotterbeck. If he doesn’t renew his contract, he’ll be available in the summer for €30m-€35m.”

Schlotterbeck would be an upgrade on Martinez

The former Freiburg man has developed into one of the best central defenders in the German top-flight.

He has been brilliant for Dortmund this campaign with a passing accuracy of almost 90 percent.

The German has been superb in duels too, winning 5.5 per game. Schlotterbeck has also impressed with his tackling, recoveries and ability to clear his lines regularly.

Schlotterbeck’s other strength has been his long distribution. He has completed an outstanding 7.3 long balls on average, which is way higher than a normal centre-back.

In our view, he would be a good upgrade on Lisandro Martinez. Schlotterbeck provides a strong aerial presence from the left centre-back position, which United have lacked.

His fitness record is also much better. Barring one major injury in 2024/25, Schlotterbeck has only had short-term absences, which is another big plus for any interested club.

For the reported price, he would be a huge bargain signing for United this summer.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .