Manchester United are reportedly the favourites to sign an exciting Bundesliga centre-back next year as they look to strengthen their squad.
Manchester United have had a solid start to the 2025/26 campaign and look to continue their five game unbeaten streak after the international break when they play Everton at Old Trafford.
Despite the positives United have let in 18 goals in the Premier League which is more than every team that sits above them in the table. To break into the much needed European spots, United’s defence will need to be improved.
Rúben Amorim may look towards the January transfer window as a way to solidify the defence and improve squad depth. With Lisandro Martinez having prominent injury problems, United’s left footed centre back options are Luke Shaw and Ayden Heaven which may be an area that Amorim wants to improve upon in the upcoming window.
Amorim’s style of play with three centre backs also means that depth and competition of the defence is key to the stability. In past seasons we have seen how injuries, particularly in defence, have caused United many problems.
Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck reportedly being targeted by United
Borussia Dortmund currently sit in third place of the Bundesliga and have only let in seven goals in their ten games played, only Bayern Munich have let in less with six. One of the key reasons to this defensive form is centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.
Schlotterbeck faced fitness issues at the start of the season but has now be reinstated into the squad, playing six full games in the league and keeping a clean sheet in three. Schlotterbeck is also an impressive international star, often featuring in key games for Germany in the build up to the World Cup.
Reports from Fichajes suggest that United are favourites to sign the 25-year-old in one of the upcoming transfer windows, saying: “The English club has accelerated contacts and internal analysis in the possibility of strengthening their defence with a profile that fits their project’s philosophy.”.
Schlotterbeck would be a good fit into the United squad with years of experience of playing at the top level of football along with his strength and impressive distribution which is key to Amorim’s tactical setup.
United’s “message is clear: act swiftly or fall behind”
The race for Schlotterbeck is rivalled by many European teams including Barcelona and league rivals Liverpool, according to Fichajes. United seem to be in the lead for the centre back with a clear message of ‘act swiftly or fall behind’.
United don’t want to miss out on important signings that could potentially improve the team. Schlotterbeck’s contract is due to expire in 2027 meaning that Dortmund will likely be convinced by offers in the summer.
Read More: Everton ‘want to sign’ Manchester United star as talks with Rúben Amorim ‘set to be held’
With Dortmund playing impressive football and a nine-year streak of consistently qualifying for the Champions League, United’s form will have to improve to fully convince the German to come to Old Trafford.
If United make the signing then Schlotterbeck will be just the second German player to play for them in the Premier League after Bastian Schweinsteiger.
This would also continue a good transfer relationship between United and Dortmund with Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer being amongst the recent transactions.
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