👀 AS: Schlotterbeck, a new deal with the door open to Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid is keeping a close eye on the centre-back market, and the latest move in Germany bears its indirect signature. Nico Schlotterbeck, one of the Bundesliga’s standout sensations, is on the verge of sealing a contract renewal with Borussia Dortmund.

However, according to Diario AS, this deal is not a definitive goodbye to the Bernabéu, but rather a strategic move to protect his value amid strong interest from Madrid.

Dortmund’s board, aware that Real Madrid has been monitoring the defender’s every move, has sped up an operation that includes a significant salary increase to €14 million.

The German club did not want to risk losing their defensive mainstay for free or at a reduced price in 2027, when his previous deal was due to expire. But the most relevant detail for Madrid fans lies in the fine print of the new agreement.

A renewal... but with the door open to Madrid

The Real Madrid factor has been decisive in the negotiations. Schlotterbeck has agreed to extend his contract, but with one non-negotiable condition: an easier exit clause.

This "ace up the sleeve" would allow the centre-back to make the jump to a European giant in the near future, with the Chamartín club sitting in pole position among his suitors. It is a gentlemen’s agreement that leaves the door wide open.

This move recalls the formula Dortmund has used with other stars: renew to secure a big-money sale at the right moment. With a market value of €55 million, Schlotterbeck is cementing his status as the "centre-back of the future". 

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

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