Dortmund unsure about Schlotterbeck: Is he leaning towards a Bayern move? | OneFootball

Nico Schlotterbeck is one of the key pillars in Dortmund's defense. However, behind the scenes, signs are increasing that he has other plans. At BVB, nervousness is growing – and FC Bayern is positioning itself.

Borussia Dortmund is increasingly doubtful about keeping the 25-year-old in the long term. According to BILD, Schlotterbeck is seriously considering not extending his contract, which runs until 2027. The main reasons are doubts about the club's sporting prospects and a certain dissatisfaction with the playing style under Niko Kovač. FC Bayern is closely monitoring the situation – Schlotterbeck has been on their radar for months, and his salary would be manageable for the record champions. Additionally, they could fulfill the national player's title ambitions.

BVB has already presented the defensive chief with an improved offer. Around eight million euros in annual salary are on the table, but that is not enough. According to Sport BILD, Schlotterbeck is demanding around ten million euros plus a release clause. Dortmund signals willingness to negotiate – likely also to prevent the situation from developing into a second Lewandowski case, who left Dortmund for Munich on a free transfer in 2014.

Bayern, on the other hand, has already expressed their interest. Besides the quality of the national player, strategic reasons also speak for a possible transfer. In Munich, the future of Dayot Upamecano remains uncertain, Minjae Kim is controversial and could be sold. Schlotterbeck's profile with a strong left foot, his passing strength, and robustness make him an attractive candidate for the defensive realignment.

Dortmund's management remains notably calm

Foot: IMAGO/osnapix

Despite the delicate situation, the BVB leadership continues to project calm externally. In Sport BILD, sports director Lars Ricken stated: “It is his absolute right to plan his future carefully. We respect that as well. And I believe that it is not the salary that is the main focus, but the perspective, trust, and conviction.” However, he emphasized: “We will not rush into panic. But of course, we don't want to drag it out indefinitely.”

Schlotterbeck is deliberately taking his time with his decision. According to Sky, he plans to discuss his future no earlier than the new year. Besides Bayern, international top clubs are also showing interest – but the duel seems to be intensifying on a national level. It is clear: the developments surrounding Dayot Upamecano are likely to play an important role in Bayern's planning.

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