Is Nico Schlotterbeck’s future at Borussia Dortmund?

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Nico Schlotterbeck isn’t short of clubs interested in securing the Borussia Dortmund defender’s signature, but die Schwarzgelben remain optimistic when it comes to extending the player’s contract beyond 2027.

A WAZ editorial suggests that Borussia Dortmund should go all-in to tie the 25-year-old down to a new deal. However, although Schlotterbeck has already reportedly received a contract offer of €8m plus bonuses from BVB, it wouldn’t make him a top earner. Niklas Süle (€14m) and Emre Can (€8m) both have contracts expiring in 2026 which would free up some budget but as WAZ reports, both are expected to stay, albeit on lower salaries.

Should Borussia Dortmund extend Schlotterbeck’s contract beyond 2027, then – per WAZ – it would show that the Ruhr club can in fact retain their best players. Imperative if they are to challenge Bayern Munich for a Bundesliga title. But with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid all showing an interest, it could take some persuasion from BVB.

As reported earlier in the month, Borussia Dortmund want to make Schlotterbeck the new face of the club, which would eventually see the former Freiburg defender given the captain’s armband. Schlotterbeck certainly feels comfortable within the club, but he has a big decision to make on his future.

Nico Schlotterbeck: “The appreciation on both sides is very high.” 

Speaking ahead of Dortmund’s Champions League game against Athletic Club, Schlotterbeck said: “The appreciation on both sides is very high. But it won’t be so early that I extend my contract. We’ll have talks now. I’ll sit down with Sebastian Kehl, make a plan, and then we’ll see what comes of it.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder