“Tough decision”: Schlotterbeck reveals BVB deadline | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund is fighting to keep Nico Schlotterbeck, but the BVB’s defensive leader is still hesitating about his future. The national player wants to make a decision no later than before the summer.

The future of Nico Schlotterbeck at Borussia Dortmund remains uncertain. Although BVB has been working for months on an early extension of the contract, which runs until 2027, the national player is taking his time to give his commitment. After the 3-0 victory at Union Berlin, the central defender publicly confirmed for the first time that he has set a clear decision deadline for himself.

“At some point, I set a deadline for myself. But I’m not going to reveal it yet,” Schlotterbeck explained in an interview with Sky. One thing is certain: “Yes, I do believe I will make a fundamental decision before the summer.” However, the 26-year-old did not reveal any concrete tendency.

He once again emphasized that he feels comfortable in Dortmund, but added: “And still, it’s a tough decision, not an easy one.” Behind the scenes, BVB is working intensively to keep their defensive leader. Dortmund is said to be offering the defender an even greater leadership role, and in the long term, even the captain’s armband.

Nico Schlotterbeck gives insights into contract negotiations with BVB

Structural questions such as sporting prospects and contractual details also play a role. There is competition as well: FC Bayern Munich, among others, is said to have shown interest. For the club’s management, keeping him would be far more than just a sporting matter.

Managing director Lars Ricken made it clear what symbolic significance an extension would have, referring to previous figures who embodied the club in Dortmund’s shirt. Coach Niko Kovac also recently praised Schlotterbeck as an “identification figure of the club” and spoke of having a good gut feeling.

That very gut feeling also plays a central role for the player himself. “I’m a gut person, it comes from the gut,” said Schlotterbeck. He doesn’t want to make the decision alone: “At some point, I’ll sit down with my dad and Keven, and then we’ll make a decision together.” It is still open how that decision will turn out – the only thing certain is: the clock is ticking, and a decision will be made by the summer at the latest.

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