Dortmund’s Quiet Bid to Lock Down Nico Schlotterbeck’s Future Before the Klassiker

Contract Talks Ahead of Klassiker

Borussia Dortmund is again making Nico Schlotterbeck's contract a headline as they prepare for the Klassiker against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Sporting director Lars Ricken told Sky Germany that he has the right to plan his future thoughtfully, and that the focus should be on the project’s perspective, trust, and conviction rather than the salary.

He added that they won’t rush the process, but nobody expects it to drag on forever; everyone understands the impetus behind a decision.

According to Sky Germany, Schlotterbeck has a contract ready to sign, but the defender is still hesitating as he first wants to see how the team evolves on the pitch.

Crucial influence

Sky Sport expert Lothar Matthäus expressed understanding of his stance, noting that multiple doors are open for him and that his decision will hinge on where he sees the best sporting and perhaps financial outlook.

Matthäus also suggested Schlotterbeck could bolster major European clubs, potentially including Bayern Munich.

Matthäus praised the defender's impact, saying he is a leader on the pitch and someone the team relies on, thanks to his experience.

Schlotterbeck has played 128 Dortmund appearances, with 6 goals and 12 assists to date. He began his Bundesliga career at Freiburg in 2018-19 (49 appearances), and spent a 2020-21 loan at Union Berlin (16 appearances).

Silence on Bayern interest

The defender has remained tight-lipped about Bayern's interest ahead of a recent international qualifier, saying he cannot comment on such rumors.

His current deal runs to 2027, with the contract's final year approaching as this season ends.

Three years ago Bayern came close to a move, but Dortmund's coach at the time, Niko Kovac, publicly expressed a desire for Schlotterbeck to stay and be the club's face for years to come.

Kovac reportedly said the player has a high standing within the squad and with the supporters, bringing emotional intensity alongside technical quality.

Sky's Jasko von Eichmann noted that Schlotterbeck has often said he feels at home in Dortmund, and that ultimately the decision will be about where he sees the best prospects, financially and sportingly.

Karim Adeyemi: We want to work with him long-term

The same logic applies to Karim Adeyemi, with Lars Ricken stressing Dortmund's desire to extend his contract as he continues his strong form.

Ricken said: we want to work with Karim long term, and there are signs he is performing at his best for Dortmund this season, contributing not just in goals and assists but in defensive work as well.

The club has no plans to sell Adeyemi, not even for a sum close to the €65 million figure Chelsea paid for a player last summer, according to Sky.

Dortmund sit second in the Bundesliga with 14 points from six games, four wins and two draws, four points behind leaders Bayern.

Sniper punchline 1: If patience were a transfer fee, Dortmund would have already booked a private jet to the negotiation table.
Sniper punchline 2: And if the deal stalls, at least the defense will be so airtight that even the scoreboard will file a petition for overtime on every counterattack.