Press on Schlotterbeck's BVB extension: “Deal leaves a sour taste” | OneFootball

It had dragged on for a very long time — too long for the taste of some fans. Now Nico Schlotterbeck has finally extended his contract with BVB after all and will be paid a double-digit million sum per season until 2031. However, since the new agreement is reportedly said to include a release clause for several top clubs, the press reaction to the deal has been mixed.

So far, major newspapers such as SZ and FAZ have remained cautious when it comes to assessing the news.

Meanwhile, ran.de says the new contract is a “win-win situation” for both parties. Alongside what now appears to be another imminent qualification for the Champions League, this is said to be another reason for BVB to celebrate. The club now has planning security in knowing it will definitely not lose Schlotterbeck on a free transfer. And having kept the player — for now — despite reported interest from clubs like Real Madrid or Liverpool FC is also seen as a statement of the club’s stature.

But because that release clause now exists, Schlotterbeck is also viewed as a clear winner in the way his new contract is structured. If he shines at the World Cup in the summer, he could still make the move to one of the absolute top clubs. If not, he will be handsomely rewarded for his work at BVB and has also continued to rise in the club hierarchy for that reason.

Photo: IMAGO

BVB trades planning security for a guaranteed transfer fee

At 90min.de, on the other hand, they see “not just one but two losers.” Schlotterbeck himself undoubtedly comes out of the negotiations as the winner, especially since the new release clause already applies from this summer. But BVB — and its fans — are said to have lost out. The club does not have planning security at all; a major club could still lure Schlotterbeck away from Dortmund at any time with a strong offer.

In addition, Schlotterbeck’s approach paints a picture that destroys his standing with the fans: “The 26-year-old had for years been seen as a figure fans could identify with and a crowd favorite, and he had what it takes to become BVB’s new captain. All of that is now nothing but hot air because of the release clause, as it is now clear that Schlotterbeck is really just waiting for an offer from a top club.”

A similar tone comes from Sport1, where the move is described as a “deal with a bitter aftertaste.” First, Schlotterbeck kept the club waiting for months. Now he has extended his contract, but it is anything but a declaration of loyalty. As a result, the Germany international has lost a great deal of credit with the fans. One thing is also clear: there were no offers from top clubs, otherwise Schlotterbeck would no longer be at BVB.

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