Schlotterbeck to decide in March: torn between Real Madrid and Dortmund? | OneFootball

Even in mid-February, no decision has yet been made as to whether Nico Schlotterbeck will accept Borussia Dortmund’s offer for a long-term extension of his current contract, which runs until 2027, or seek a new challenge. However, it now seems clear when Schlotterbeck will make his decision and that it will come down to a duel between two clubs.

According to information from Sport Bild, Schlotterbeck plans to make his decision in consultation with BVB around the international break in March. Ideally, clarity should be reached before Schlotterbeck departs for the international matches in Switzerland (March 27) and against Ghana (March 30), so in just over a month.

After months of speculation about numerous interested parties, the decision now appears to be between BVB and Real Madrid. The “Royals” would definitely be a club from the top tier, where the chances of winning titles are relatively high. Schlotterbeck would not leave BVB, where he is expected to eventually succeed Emre Can as captain if he stays, for a club on a lower level.

Performance-Based Release Clause at BVB

Real Madrid, looking at the expiring contracts of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger as well as the injury proneness of Eder Militao, is planning a rebuild of its central defense and wants to bring in two new center-backs, including a left-footer like Schlotterbeck. However, Real wants to finalize squad planning only once it is clear who will be sitting on the coach’s bench in the future. Whether Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been appointed as Xabi Alonso’s successor, will continue is currently completely open. Likewise, it is unclear whether the future Real coach would count on Schlotterbeck.

Meanwhile, everything is essentially agreed upon between BVB and Schlotterbeck regarding the framework conditions. The 26-year-old is set to become one of the club’s top earners with up to 14 million euros per year and would also receive a release clause valid from 2027. The amount of this clause also depends on BVB’s performance. If Borussia qualifies for the Champions League, Schlotterbeck would cost 60 million euros; if they miss out on the top competition, it would be about ten million euros less.

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