Bayern's Defensive Upgrade: Schlotterbeck on the Radar as Dortmund Weighs a Big Renewal + Palace’s Guihi Emerges as a Free-Transfer Target
7 October 2025
Nico Schlotterbeck's Contract Talks and Bayern's Interest
Borussia Dortmund's center-back Nico Schlotterbeck reportedly received a concrete offer to extend his contract, signaling the club's desire to secure him through 2030 and boost his salary into the club's top tier, according to German outlets cited by Sky Sports.
Although the offer embodies Dortmund's appreciation of his abilities, the 25-year-old remains cautious, wanting to assess the team's on-field trajectory before committing long-term.
Legendary former player Lothar Matthäus has floated Schlotterbeck as a potential Bayern target should Dayo Upamecano depart in 2026, warning Bayern could otherwise face a quality gap in central defense.
In a Sky Sports column, Matthäus asserted Schlotterbeck has the quality needed for Bayern and could be an intriguing option for the Bavarian giants, especially as a left-footed option in central defense.
The analyst suggested that Schlotterbeck could form a complementary left-side partnership with Jonathan Tah to bolster Bayern's build-up from the back, potentially elevating their ball‑progression game.
Dortmund's Form and the Case for a Defensive Duo
Dor tmund have enjoyed a standout season under coach Nico Kovac, with no official losses in all competitions so far. They sit second in the Bundesliga on 14 points after six rounds, four adrift of Bayern at the summit.
Schlotterbeck returned to action two weeks ago after a lengthy injury lay-off, featuring 90 minutes in Dortmund's 1-0 league win over Wolfsburg, and he also played the full 90 in victories over Mainz (2-0) and a draw with Leipzig (1-1).
Meanwhile, Bayern continue to monitor potential defensive options as they plan for the long term, including a look at Crystal Palace’s Mark Guihi, whom Sky Sports notes is nearing the end of his contract.
Goyhi to Munich? and the Neuer Chapter
The same report indicates Bayern Munich are keen on Mark Guihi, a 25-year-old defender at Crystal Palace whose contract runs out at season’s end. Guihi has drawn attention from Liverpool and Barcelona, while the Palace academy product reportedly harbors dreams of a move to Real Madrid.
Palace, under Oliver Glasner, allegedly turned down a late-summer move to Liverpool due to a perceived lack of a suitable central defensive replacement, underscoring how delicate defender market timing can be.
Crystal Palace enjoyed notable success last season, lifting the FA Cup and later winning the Community Shield against Liverpool in August. They currently sit sixth in the Premier League on 12 points after seven games, with key wins over Liverpool (2-1) and Aston Villa (3-0), and they opened their Europa Conference League campaign with a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kiev.
Guihi joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021 for around €23.3 million and has since appeared 139 times in the Premier League, scoring seven goals and adding five assists. The English defender has earned 25 caps for England and scored once at the international level.
Back at Bayern, talks are expected with Neuer around the Christmas window to discuss a renewal, with the decision resting on his fitness and readiness. If Neuer stays, Alexander Nubel's future could be shaped accordingly, as Bayern looks to balance continuity with long-term planning. Bayern currently lead the Bundesliga after six rounds and top their Champions League group after two matches, reflecting a dominant start to the season.
Punchline 1: If Schlotterbeck signs, Bayern's defense might become so airtight that even the offside rule needs a permit to exist.
Punchline 2: If Guihi arrives on a free, Bayern will have the backline so well-assembled that even their press conferences end with a clean sheet of questions.
