Real Madrid Eyes Rising Stars: Schlotterbeck and Jacquet on the Radar

Juni Calafat, the mastermind behind Real Madrid‘s international scouting, is once again making headlines as he identifies potential new talents for the club. The Spanish giants are keenly monitoring two promising players: Jérémy Jacquet, a young French defender, and Nico Schlotterbeck, a seasoned German international. Both players have been making waves in their respective leagues, and their performances could see them don the iconic white jersey sooner rather than later.

Calafat has earned his reputation by securing key signings like Casemiro, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo. His latest focus is on Jérémy Jacquet, who has caught the eye following an impressive display at the UEFA U19 Championship. Despite the French team falling to Spain in the final, Jacquet shone throughout the tournament, contributing significantly to his team’s journey. As captain, he showcased not only his defensive skills but also his leadership qualities, scoring a crucial penalty in a tight match against Turkey.

Jacquet’s Promising Season

This season at Rennes, Jacquet has established himself as a vital component of the defense. He has been a consistent starter and has displayed remarkable performances week in and week out. However, his outing against Paris Saint-Germain was unfortunate; he was forced to leave the pitch in the 74th minute after receiving two yellow cards. Under contract until 2029, Jacquet’s future looks bright as he continues to lead his team with aspirations of European qualification.

Schlotterbeck: A Solid Option for Madrid

Meanwhile, Real Madrid is also keeping tabs on Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund. Unlike Antonio Rüdiger, who has faced injury setbacks, Schlotterbeck offers reliability and versatility in defense. At just 26 years old, he brings experience from various youth setups and has been a key player for Dortmund since his arrival in 2022. His ability to adapt to both three-man and four-man defensive lines makes him an attractive option for Carlo Ancelotti‘s tactical plans.

Schlotterbeck’s international career with Germany has seen him involved in crucial matches without missing any major tournaments. After a rotational role during the World Cup in Qatar, he solidified his position during last summer’s UEFA Nations League. As Germany prepares for upcoming challenges in America this summer, he is expected to start alongside established defenders like Jonathan Tah or Rüdiger if fit.

The potential acquisitions of Jacquet and Schlotterbeck would not only bolster Real Madrid’s defensive line but also reflect Calafat’s ongoing commitment to scouting young talent. As both players strive for personal success—Jacquet aiming for European competition with Rennes and Schlotterbeck hoping for Bundesliga glory with Dortmund—their paths may soon converge at one of football’s most storied clubs.