“Very surprised” by the reports

©IMAGO

After the international match against Ghana, Nico Schlotterbeck strongly contradicted media reports of an imminent contract extension with Borussia Dortmund. « I clearly have to deny it. Unfortunately, we are not that far from it, » the central defender told reporters at the Stuttgart Stadium after the DFB team’s 2-1 victory. His current contract expires in the summer of 2027.

It was previously reported that the 26-year-old would remain at BVB and the deal would be announced this week. According to the professional, a deal with Dortmund has become more complicated due to the club’s separation from sporting director Sebastian Kehl. « I negotiated with Sebastian for a long time. Sebastian is no longer there. Of course, I have already called Ole (Book, editor’s note). That is why I am very surprised by the report, » Schlotterbeck emphasized.

There will be no quick fix now. « We are certainly not at the point where we are talking about a short-term extension. That’s why I have to say something about it. It’s stupid, even for BVB fans. But like I said, it’s not an easy situation for me at the moment, » called on Schlotterbeck to understand.

The Schlotterbeck extension at the BVB is open again

Asked whether he now risks not staying at Dortmund, Schlotterbeck replied: « What does this danger mean? As I said, Sebastian is no longer there. I negotiated with Sebastian for a long time. I would probably have made a decision in the next few weeks. Now the situation has changed a little. »

According to recent reports, Schlotterbeck’s new working document is expected to last until 2031 and provide for a significant salary increase. Including bonuses, the national player would have been offered a gross annual salary of 14 million euros, which would mean an increase of up to 8.5 million euros. This would make him by far BVB’s first employee, as Niklas Süle, who signed with BVB in 2022 for 12 million euros per year, will leave the club this summer.

An exit clause has also been included. According to “Bild”, the club and players have agreed on a fixed transfer fee of 60 million euros, which will not come into force until 2027 at the earliest. Schlotterbeck, who has recently been linked with Real Madrid, FC Liverpool and FC Bayern, arrived in Dortmund in 2022 for 20 million euros and has so far made 154 appearances for the black and yellow.