Contract poker at BVB: why Schlotterbeck is holding back | OneFootball

Nico Schlotterbeck hesitates to extend his contract with BVB. The defender wants to wait for the sporting perspective first.

Borussia Dortmund is pushing to extend the contract of defensive star Nico Schlotterbeck beyond 2027. However, the 25-year-old is taking his time. “Of course, the appreciation is very high on both sides. But to be honest, I don't think I'll be extending my contract so early!” said Schlotterbeck before the Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao.

The defender is in a strong negotiating position. After his comeback, he has once again shown how important he is for BVB, and other top clubs are apparently interested in him. Dortmund paid around 20 million euros to SC Freiburg in 2022 – even then, several major clubs had their eyes on Schlotterbeck.

A decisive factor for the national player is according to a report by Bild sporting success. He wants to play in a team that competes for titles. After recent ups and downs at BVB, he wants to wait and see the club's development first.

New contract? Schlotterbeck assesses his options at BVB

Financially, Schlotterbeck is also to be kept attractive: According to Bild, his salary could rise from the current six to at least ten million euros. Additionally, he has the opportunity to take over the captain's armband from Emre Can and become the new face of the club.

Another aspect could be the 2026 World Cup, where Schlotterbeck could play a key role in the DFB team. A strong tournament would further increase his market value – and Dortmund would be approaching his last contract year.

Despite all options, Schlotterbeck feels comfortable at BVB. “Of course, it makes a difference whether you're in eleventh place in March, which was not my ambition, or now playing in the Champions League,” he recently explained in an interview with WAZ. If the current development under coach Niko Kovac continues, Nico Schlotterbeck could fulfill his most important condition: the chance for titles.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.