Bad News for Real and Barca in Transfer Pursuit
Borussia Dortmund defender Niko Schlotterbeck's release clause has expired, giving the club full control over his future
Real and Barca have received bad news in their pursuit of a top transfer target
Borussia Dortmund defender Niko Schlotterbeck can no longer leave the club without the permission of the management.
According to Sky Sport, the release clause in Schlotterbeck's contract expired in mid-July, meaning his future is now entirely in the hands of Borussia Dortmund.
If Real, Barcelona, or Liverpool want to sign the 26-year-old German defender, they will now have to negotiate directly with Dortmund.
It is reported that Real's interest in Schlotterbeck has also decreased due to the injury he sustained during the World Cup.
Schlotterbeck's current contract with Borussia Dortmund runs until 2031, and Transfermarkt values him at 55 million euros.