Dortmund president Watzke defends Schlotterbeck release clause decision | OneFootball

Criticism has emerged following reports that Nico Schlotterbeck’s new Borussia Dortmund contract until 2031 includes a release clause worth around €50-60 million for a select group of European top clubs.

However, Borussia Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke has told Ruhr Nachrichten that he sees the deal as a "good compromise".

“For us, it is always about first securing the transfer value as Borussia Dortmund and then, of course, gaining a bit of planning security at some point," he said.

The 66-year-old added that he believes the inclusion of release clauses in player contracts is “state of the art” nowadays.

“We shouldn’t kid ourselves. Bayern Munich do exactly the same, as do Paris or whoever else. Today it is hardly done any other way.”

He also stressed that the clause doesn't necessarily mean Schlotterbeck will leave.

“Why shouldn’t Nico still be playing for Borussia Dortmund in two or three years? That is not ruled out. Nico has not decided against Borussia Dortmund. He has taken the club’s interests and our needs very much into account,” Watzke said.