Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund are exploring defensive options in case star defender Nico Schlotterbeck leaves the club for Bayern Munich next summer. They have identified one strong candidate in the form of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and a past connection with Dortmund coach Niko Kovac might help them in securing his services.
Dortmund target Disasi
Disasi was considered a big signing at Chelsea back in 2023, when the Stamford Bridge-based outfit paid a reported €45 million to bring the player to London from Monaco. However, the five-time French international, now 27, has not been able to make a mark at the Blues and manager Enzo Maresca is not looking at him as a potential starter. Dortmund have been monitoring his situation and have seen his performances both at Chelsea and at Aston Villa, where he spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign.
AdvertisementAFPSchotterbeck hesitant for new contract
Dortmund might capitalise on this situation to sign the player, in case Schlotterbeck leaves the club. As per , Bayern have their eyes on the former Freiburg defender. His contract at Dortmund runs until 2027, but there seems to be no developments regarding an extension despite the club's desire to tie him down for the long term. As a result, the Black and Yellows might be compelled to sanction a sale next summer and pave the way for a new signing.
Apart from Schlotterbeck, Niklas Sule also sees his contract end next summer. And if he wants to stay at Dortmund, he'll have to take a pay cut. Disasi will emerge as a potential replacement for either of the aforementioned Dortmund stars, and fans can expect him to reunite with his former manager, having worked with him for two years at Monaco.
Getty Images SportDortmund to face Bayern this week
With the international break over, the Bundesliga, along with other domestic leagues, is set to return this weekend. The first assignment for Dortmund will be against Bayern in Der Klassiker at the Allianz Arena on October 18.