Nico Schlotterbeck celebrated his 26th birthday this Monday amid a delicate contractual situation at Borussia Dortmund. According to Bildthe club has been trying for several months to extend the contract of the left-handed central defender without success, and its extension beyond 2027 now seems very unlikely. The BVB offered him a new lease, increasing his salary from 2.5 to 8 million euros with variables, but discussions have stalled. He would like to join a team offering him the opportunity to play for major titles, at a pivotal moment in his career.
Bayern Munich, who had tried to recruit him in 2022 before his transfer from Freiburg to Dortmund, is monitoring the situation and could act if Dayot Upamecano does not extend, but the BVB would not like to see him join their Bavarian rival. FC Barcelona is also cited as a serious option, with the support of Deco and Hansi Flick, who appreciate his profile to strengthen the Catalan defense and reposition Pau Cubarsí on his natural side. The German international could leave Dortmund as early as 2026 in order to avoid a free departure in 2027. The club values the player at around 45 million euros, but this price would be negotiable. According to those around him, Schlotterbeck would be open to a project abroad, in La Liga or the Premier League, if an attractive proposition presents itself. Sport also specifies that Flick is looking for an experienced and specialized profile on this side of the defense and, although Barça also follows Gonçalo Inácio, the German corresponds better by his characteristics, his maturity and his international experience.
