Deadline for Schlotterbeck: BVB turn up the heat on their defensive leader | OneFootball

Nico Schlotterbeck faces an important decision about his future at BVB. Dortmund has now set a clear deadline for their defensive leader—and is enticing him with special prospects.

Borussia Dortmund is getting serious regarding Nico Schlotterbeck’s situation. The central defender is at the center of the club’s long-term squad planning—and BVB now has clear ideas about how things should proceed.

According to a report by Sport Bild, Dortmund has given their defensive chief a deadline of no later than spring 2026. By then, it should be clear whether the 25-year-old will extend his contract, which currently runs until 2027, or not. The club’s management wants to avoid negotiations dragging on endlessly, as has happened in previous cases.

Talks about an extension are already underway. The club wants to tie Schlotterbeck down for the long term—ideally until 2030—and is prepared to significantly increase his salary. An annual sum in the double-digit millions is being discussed. As an additional incentive, the Ruhr club could even offer the national team player the captaincy if he signs a new contract.

BVB could accept Schlotterbeck leaving on a free transfer

Schlotterbeck himself is taking his time with his decision. The national player emphasizes that this is an important step in his career and wants to first see how the club’s sporting development unfolds. According to those close to him, his priority is not salary, but the sporting perspective—in other words: Can BVB consistently compete for titles?

Despite this caution, there is cautious optimism in Dortmund. According to Sport Bild, most of his teammates in the dressing room are convinced that Schlotterbeck will stay. The defender is considered deeply rooted in the club and rarely talks internally about other options.

Nevertheless, top clubs such as FC Bayern, Real Madrid, and Liverpool FC are closely monitoring his situation. Bayern are said to have already officially registered their interest, seeing Schlotterbeck—with his strong left foot and tackling ability—as an ideal candidate for the future.

BVB’s course remains clear: they want to keep Nico Schlotterbeck—but not at any price. If a sale would jeopardize the club’s sporting goals, Dortmund would even be prepared to go into the final year of his contract with him. Just like they did with Robert Lewandowski, who left the club on a free transfer back then.

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