According to Sport, Real Madrid is restructuring its squad after missing out on a second consecutive title, and potential reinforcements under Mourinho are continuously emerging. The club has finalized the signings of Konsa and Dumfries, but has not closed the door on acquiring a third defender, specifically a second center-back.
Borussia Dortmund's German international Schlotterbeck is one such candidate, ranking third on the recruitment list of Calafat and José Ángel Sánchez, after the two most favored by Mourinho. Mourinho prefers Joško Gvardiol and Ricardo Calafiori, the former playing for Manchester City and the latter for Arsenal. The Croatian can play both center-back and left-back, offering versatility; the Italian is a "familiar face," having previously played under Mourinho at Roma.
Schlotterbeck has also been a long-term target for Real Madrid, and his name has been linked with several European giants. This fast, tall (1.91m) left-footed center-back is well-suited for a three-center-back system and is also good at playing the ball from the back. Borussia Dortmund recognizes his qualities, which is why they recently extended his contract. The player retained a release clause in his contract, set at 50 million euros, should a larger club make an offer. Could Real Madrid be his next destination? Konsa and Dean Huijsen have already secured their squad spots; Raúl Asensio and Antonio Rüdiger's future will be decided by Mourinho.
Meanwhile, German media continues to amplify Real Madrid's interest in Schlotterbeck. The player has not denied these rumors while preparing for the FIFA World Cup with the German national team. Schlotterbeck admitted on Sky Sport Germany and other outlets: "Of course, these things get out through the media, but basically, as I said a few weeks ago, all the focus is now on the FIFA World Cup, on the first match." Germany's first match will be against Curaçao on Sunday, June 14th.
Another ongoing route is Bernardo Silva. The player, who has left Manchester City, was previously linked with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, and is now a target Mourinho wishes to bring in to add more variety to Real Madrid's midfield.