Nico Schlotterbeck has admitted he is in no rush to sign a new Borussia Dortmund contract, saying he will “see where it leads”, as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid monitor the defender’s situation. Dortmund want him tied down until 2030, but fresh doubts over his long-term plans have reopened transfer speculation.
Schlotterbeck’s future at Dortmund remains unclear
Schlotterbeck has left the door open to a possible exit from Dortmund after admitting that contract talks are ongoing but undecided. The centre-back has two years left on his current deal expiring in 2027 – yet Die Schwarzgelben have already submitted an extension offer that would take him through to 2030.
Despite BVB viewing him as a future captain and key defensive leader, Schlotterbeck is in no rush to commit.
"I still have over a year and a half left on my contract. I'll sit down with Sebastian [Kehl], work out a plan, and see where it leads," Schlotterbeck explained on after the 2-1 defeat to Bayern in Der Klassiker. "I feel very comfortable in Dortmund and have no problem continuing on this path. But it's obviously an important decision for my career."
According to reports, the new offer includes a salary far above his current deal, potentially tripling his wages to make him one of the top earners at the club. Dortmund, however, are aware of growing interest from European heavyweights.
AdvertisementgettyGrowing transfer tension: Bayern & Madrid circle as contract stalls
Top European clubs have taken notice of the delay in contract progress. The Bavarians have placed the 25-year-old high on their shortlist as they face complications in extending Dayot Upamecano's contract beyond 2026. Madrid are also tracking the situation, considering Schlotterbeck as a potential long-term defensive addition.
Lothar Matthaus recently urged the Bundesliga champions to act quickly: "If things don't work out with Upamecano, then Schlotterbeck would definitely be more than an alternative. Then bringing him to Munich would almost be a must," Matthaus said. "Because he's familiar with the Bundesliga, because he plays alongside Tah on the national team."
He added: "That would make sense to me, because his contract wouldn't run as long. But it might be a bit cheaper than with [Nick] Woltemade… Price tag, price tag, yes, thin ice. But that's the contract term, you have to take that into account. That's why I say: Yes, Schlotterbeck would be cheaper than Woltemade!"
For Los Blancos, Schlotterbeck represents a future-proof alternative as they gradually replace veterans like Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
Dortmund determined to keep their defensive leader
Dortmund remain firm in their intention to keep Schlotterbeck at the heart of their long-term project. The club view him as a future captain and a pillar of their defensive structure. Their contract proposal reflects this belief – a long-term extension until 2030, a significant salary increase and an elevated leadership role within the squad.
Dortmund believe Schlotterbeck can be one of the faces of the club’s next era, both on and off the pitch. However, despite being settled and “very happy” in Dortmund, the defender and his camp are taking their time. They are fully aware of the magnitude of the decision, especially with Bayern and Madrid showing concrete interest. A move to either club could reshape his career, and that makes the decision far from straightforward.
(C)Getty ImagesWhat happens next in the Schlotterbeck saga?
The coming months will be crucial. Dortmund want clarity before next summer to avoid letting Schlotterbeck’s contract run too far into its final years, which could weaken their negotiating position. Their ideal scenario is securing his renewal early and publicly shutting down transfer speculation.
Die Roten, meanwhile, are keeping a close eye on the situation. If Upamecano agrees to a new deal, their interest may cool. But if contract talks with the Frenchman collapse, Bayern are expected to go all-in on Schlotterbeck in 2025. Los Blancos are also monitoring developments, viewing him as a long-term fit for their evolving backline.
For now, the defender remains fully focused on the pitch. Dortmund’s 2-1 defeat to Bayern in Der Klassiker was their first loss of the Bundesliga season, and attention now turns to the Champions League clash against Copenhagen. His final decision may not come soon, but with each passing week, the pressure surrounding his future only grows.