New details revealed: Schlotterbeck was this close to a Bayern switch | OneFootball

FC Bayern made much more intensive efforts to acquire Nico Schlotterbeck in 2022 than was previously publicly known. According to Sport BILD , the central defender, who was still under contract with SC Freiburg at the time, not only held loose talks with the record champions – he was even a personal guest of Hasan Salihamidzic to negotiate a possible move to Munich.

Interestingly, these talks only took place after Schlotterbeck had already agreed to play for BVB. The now 25-year-old international did not want to break his word – and decided against FC Bayern despite the high-calibre offer. As a result, he moved from Freiburg to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022.

The account differs from the one recently outlined by Oliver Kahn in the Sky programme„Triple – der Hagedorn-Fußballtalk“, where the former Bayern CEO explained that Schlotterbeck was „still very, very young“, which is why the record champions ultimately decided to take a different path.

Kahn was probably referring to Matthijs de Ligt, who Bayern signed from Juventus for just under 70 million euros – a decision that came to a surprising end after two years: De Ligt moved to Manchester United in 2024.

Schlotterbeck once again in Bayern’s focus – but not as a priority

photo: IMAGO

Around three years later, Schlotterbeck’s name has resurfaced at Säbener Straße. The reason for this is that his contract talks with Borussia Dortmund have stalled and his contract only runs until 2027. But despite the rumours, a clear picture is emerging – and it’s not Schlotterbeck.

At the German record champions, one personnel matter has absolute priority: extending the contract of defender Dayot Upamecano. The 27-year-old is playing arguably the best season of his career, is a fixture under Vincent Kompany and his future is highly relevant for the Bayern bosses.

Max Eberl made this clear in an interview with Sport BILD : „Upa is at the golden age for a central defender. He should make his decision very consciously – and he will not stay because of the money, but because of our path and the overall package.“ The sporting director also emphasized: „He would be the internal king transfer for us.“

As long as Upamecano leaves his future open, Schlotterbeck will remain a name on the sidelines that FC Bayern will remain informed about – but nothing more. The strategic situation would only change if the record champions were unable to keep their defensive boss.