Despite Upamecano staying: Schlotterbeck remains an issue at Bayern | OneFootball

A transfer with a signal effect? Nico Schlotterbeck is facing a landmark decision at Borussia Dortmund – and once again FC Bayern has been brought into play. Former international Thomas Helmer has now clearly positioned himself and fueled the rumors of a possible transfer to Munich

Schlotterbeck’s contract at BVB runs until the summer of 2027 and an extension has not yet been agreed. According to media reports, a decision will be made before the international break in March. In an interview with SPORT1, Helmer hinted that he does not believe in a long-term future for the centre-back in the Ruhr region

„A lot would have to change in Dortmund. He wants to win titles. To do that, he needs a better team in Dortmund. In terms of quality, I think Bayern are on a completely different level at the moment. But I don’t think I have that opinion exclusively,“ explained the 1996 European champion. For the 60-year-old, the sporting situation is clear – and from his point of view, it speaks more in favour of the record champions

No commitment – and plenty of room for interpretation

photo: IMAGO

Those in charge at Dortmund would like to tie Schlotterbeck down for the long term and focus even more on him in the future, but the 26-year-old has so far avoided making a clear commitment to BVB. For Helmer, this is completely understandable

„I think that’s his right. He still has a contract until 2027. I think it’s understandable that he’s taking a very close look at it and then making a decision,“ he said. A player with ambitions for titles and international success in particular will examine his options carefully

Helmer also does not see the impending contract extension of Dayot Upamecano at FC Bayern as an obstacle. „Many say that the door to Bayern is closed because of Upamecano. I see it differently. From a sporting point of view, it would still be a very good fit,“ he emphasised. Although Munich would then have an oversupply in the center of defence, „just bringing in Schlotterbeck is of course not possible and doesn’t make sense either“. The decisive question is whether Bayern would be prepared to invest the necessary transfer fee

Lots of quality – but also a high price

Finally, Helmer made it clear that, from his point of view, there is little to be said against a move to Munich. „There is nothing to say against a move to Munich, except that they currently have at least enough central defenders and that it would cost a lot of money.“

This has reignited the debate. One thing is clear: if Schlotterbeck does not extend his contract in Dortmund, the pressure on BVB would increase – and FC Bayern could suddenly become a serious option again.