Bayern target Schlotterbeck: Here’s what BVB boss Ricken says | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund want to extend with Nico Schlotterbeck, but the defender is also a topic at FC Bayern. Now BVB boss Lars Ricken speaks about the matter.

The poker over Nico Schlotterbeck continues at BVB — and the rumors about FC Bayern’s interest add extra spice. The Dortmund center-back is to extend his contract long-term, but according to Sport BILD, it is still open whether Borussia will be successful with their offer.

BVB are determined to keep Schlotterbeck and have reportedly offered him an extension until 2030. The defender’s salary is said to increase by around 2.5 million euros — to roughly eight million euros per year going forward, possibly more depending on bonuses. However, it remains uncertain whether Schlotterbeck will accept this offer. Most recently, the 25-year-old has also been linked with FC Bayern, who could reshape their defense in the summer.

BVB boss Lars Ricken emphasized in a conversation with Sport BILD that Dortmund want to remain calm regarding Schlotterbeck: “It is his absolute right to plan his future carefully. We respect that. And I believe that it’s not the salary that should be the focus, but the perspective, the trust, and the conviction.” At the same time, Ricken made it clear: “We’re not going to rush into this. But of course we don’t want to drag it out until doomsday; everyone is aware of that.”

Lothar Matthäus recently further fueled the speculation. The TV expert said on RTL: “I also believe that perhaps one contact or another or one conversation or another has already taken place.” According to Matthäus, Schlotterbeck could become a topic at FC Bayern if the club cannot extend Dayot Upamecano’s contract.

Dortmund must offer Bayern target Schlotterbeck a lot

Schlotterbeck is under contract with BVB until 2027. By the summer of 2026 at the latest, Dortmund would have to decide whether to extend the center-back or sell him — to avoid a free transfer. Internally, the national player is expected to receive not only a higher salary in the event of an extension but also a larger role in the team. Even the captaincy could be a topic in the long term.

Foot: IMAGO/osnapix | Foot: IMAGO/osnapix,

In addition to Schlotterbeck, BVB are currently also dealing with the future of Karim Adeyemi — he, too, has already been linked with his youth club FC Bayern. The attacker is under contract until 2027, but could become a candidate for a move in 2026 if no extension is agreed.

Ricken expressly praised Adeyemi: “There are currently quite a few people saying that Karim is performing as well as he ever has at BVB. He doesn’t define himself only by goals and assists, but also works for the team defensively. His development is remarkable.” A sale is not on the table at the moment, Ricken emphasized: “We don’t want to let him go. So: no.”

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