BARCELONA TARGET SCHLOTTERBECK AND UPAMECANO IN DEFENSIVE OVERHAUL FOR NEXT SUMMER**

Barcelona are already moving quietly behind the scenes as they draw up their defensive shortlist for next summer, with Nico Schlotterbeck and Dayot Upamecano emerging as two of the standout names being monitored by the Catalan club. Sources close to the situation reveal that Barça are preparing early for what is expected to be a major rebuild at the back, with both players fitting the profile of long-term stability, physical presence and ball-playing quality that the club has been lacking in recent seasons. According to information relayed via @gbsans, the Blaugrana have been alerted to the contractual situations of both centre-backs, which could present rare market opportunities they are eager to exploit.

Reports indicate that Nico Schlotterbeck, currently one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent defenders, is reluctant to renew his current deal. This stance has placed him firmly on the radar of several European clubs, but Barcelona are believed to be particularly attentive given his age, style, and potential to adapt quickly to the club’s possession-heavy system. Schlotterbeck’s ability to defend aggressively while remaining calm on the ball is seen as an ideal fit for the tactical evolution planned by the coaching staff for next season. Barça see him as a defender who can operate comfortably in a high line, dominate aerial duels, and contribute significantly to their build-up play — qualities they consider essential in their next defensive leader.

Dayot Upamecano’s case is equally intriguing. The French international is approaching the end of his contract, and that expiration has naturally placed him in the spotlight for top clubs looking for high-value signings. Barcelona are closely watching developments with the belief that a free transfer, or a significantly reduced fee next summer, would make Upamecano one of the market’s most attractive defensive options. His raw power, athleticism, and recovery pace have long been admired by Barça’s scouting department, who view him as a player capable of handling one-on-one situations better than most defenders in Europe. Should he choose not to extend, the Catalans would have a rare chance to add a top-level centre-back without breaking their financial structure.

While the club remain tight-lipped publicly, the growing optimism behind the scenes suggests Barça intend to be proactive rather than reactive when the transfer window opens. The plan, insiders say, is to strengthen the backbone of the squad with players capable of competing immediately while still offering long-term value. Schlotterbeck and Upamecano perfectly represent that balance, and their contractual uncertainties have made the pair priority targets on a list that continues to evolve with the market.

Barcelona know competition will be intense, but with both players potentially entering decisive phases of their futures, the Catalan giants believe this could be the ideal moment to strike. The coming months will be crucial, and if the opportunity arises, Barça are prepared to move decisively in what could become two of the biggest defensive storylines of next

summer.