“I know…”: Matthäus reveals inside details on BVB's Schlotterbeck talks | OneFootball

In the contract negotiations between Borussia Dortmund and Nico Schlotterbeck, signs are mounting that a decision could be made soon. The Bundesliga club has been working for months on an extension with its defensive leader, but one key detail remains a point of discussion: a possible release clause.

TV pundit Lothar Matthäus recently added further spice to the situation. “He definitely wants the release clause in there after the World Cup,” the record Germany international explained on Sky90. The background is apparently Schlotterbeck’s plan to continue showcasing himself on the big stage and increase his market value.

Matthäus painted a clear picture of the motivation: the center-back hopes to “play himself back into the spotlight through the World Cup” in order to potentially put himself in position for a move to an international top club afterward — combined with “possibly greater appreciation than he gets at Dortmund.” BVB nevertheless appear willing to compromise. “And I know that Dortmund would be prepared to give him that release clause,” Matthäus continued. However, the exact structure of the clause is still part of the ongoing talks.

BVB star Schlotterbeck announces decision soon

These talks intensified again after the international break. Sporting managing director Lars Ricken emphasized: “The relationship of trust between Nico and the club is 100 percent there,” and announced that they would not let much time pass before the next meeting.

Photo: IMAGO

Schlotterbeck himself also confirmed progress. After the most recent Bundesliga match, he said: “I had a good conversation with Lars and Ole. We’ll continue the talks this week.” A decision could therefore come soon: “Then I think it won’t be long before I make a decision.”

Despite the unresolved issues, several factors now point toward an agreement. On the one hand, the pressure is growing, as any delay is not going down well with the fans. On the other hand, according to reports, concrete interest from Europe’s top clubs has so far failed to materialize. Still, a special scenario could emerge: if Dortmund agrees to the requested clause, it is even conceivable that Schlotterbeck will extend his contract — while at the same time keeping the door open for a quick departure.

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