BVB fight to keep Schlotterbeck: Watzke makes emotional plea | OneFootball

Nico Schlotterbeck is under contract with BVB until 2027 – but Dortmund wants to extend early. Hans-Joachim Watzke is personally courting the defensive leader and drawing on major role models.

Borussia Dortmund wants to tie center-back Nico Schlotterbeck to the club for the long term – and CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke is also personally pushing for an extension. The BVB star is under contract until 2027, but the Black and Yellows want to get things done early.

Watzke, who will step down from his position in November as part of the general meeting, explained on the sidelines of the Bundesliga clash against FC Bayern (1–2) that a contract extension for the national team player is very close to his heart. “I would be very happy if he were to extend,” the 66-year-old told Sky.

The BVB boss last met Schlotterbeck in Northern Ireland, where he was traveling with the national team as DFB vice president. “Of course I also told him what it means to become a world star at Borussia Dortmund like Mats Hummels,” Watzke revealed. With this comparison, he wanted to show the defender a possible future at BVB – similar to Hummels, who became a club legend in Dortmund and won several titles.

Watzke courts Schlotterbeck: BVB boss steps into contract poker

At the same time, Watzke made it clear that he has already handed over sporting responsibility. “That’s no longer my business,” he emphasized with a view to his impending departure. “Lars and Sebastian have to handle that. They both know that I would of course be very happy if Nico were to extend.”

While BVB is doing everything to keep its defensive leader long-term, FC Bayern’s interest adds extra tension to the contract poker. According to Sky, Schlotterbeck is on Munich’s list should an extension with Dayot Upamecano not work out.

TV expert Lothar Matthäus sees a possible Bayern strategy in this: “If Bayern cast their line – and Dortmund are within close range again – then of course you not only want to strengthen yourself, but also weaken your opponent.”

Whether Watzke’s personal effort convinces Nico Schlotterbeck remains open. The BVB boss remains realistic: “It’s his decision.”

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