“Money plays a big part”: Sammer explains BVB deal for Schlotterbeck | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund is facing criticism over the contract details of Nico Schlotterbeck. A possible release clause is causing debate – but BVB advisor Matthias Sammer is firmly backing the deal.

The discussion surrounding Nico Schlotterbeck’s future at Borussia Dortmund shows no signs of dying down – despite a long-term contract running until 2031. The reason for the ongoing debate is an apparently agreed release clause that could allow the centre-back to move to international top clubs relatively early.

This particular point is causing unrest around BVB. Some supporters see the contract structure as a sign that the Germany international does not want to commit himself fully to the club. The emotional nature of the debate was also evident recently in the stadium. During the match against Bayer Leverkusen (0–1), some fans reacted to Schlotterbeck with whistles.

However, the 26-year-old has received backing from the club’s leadership. Advisor Matthias Sammer pointed out on the show Sammer & Basile – der Hagedorn-Talk the economic realities of top-level football and urged a realistic assessment: “Football is a day-to-day business. In the end, in Germany we are not necessarily in a position to set the benchmark in international football and say: money doesn’t matter. Of course money plays a major role. He is an important player for Borussia Dortmund. And whether there is a clause or not, in the end they looked each other deeply in the eyes and made their decisions.”

BVB clause in focus: Sammer defends the Schlotterbeck deal

In his view, the agreement is the result of a deliberate weighing-up process by both sides. “We’re talking as if Borussia Dortmund weren’t professional,” Sammer made clear, stressing that such arrangements are by no means unusual by international standards.

Photo: IMAGO

The existence of such a clause was also at least indirectly acknowledged by CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. It is believed that selected top clubs could have the opportunity in summer 2026 to sign Schlotterbeck for a fixed transfer fee.

Regardless of the contract details, Sammer above all highlights the defender’s attitude and defends him against criticism: “The only real answer is that you always leave your heart on the pitch, and Nico Schlotterbeck does that in every game, no matter where he is. He leaves his heart on the field, and that is the currency.”

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