Image Credits: Imago Images
It’s been a remarkable bit of business from Borussia Dortmund.
Until yesterday, Nico Schlotterbeck would become a free agent in 2027 and with European giants beginning to circle, Borussia Dortmund were facing the prospect of letting a key player go for a lot less than they had originally planned, or even worse, for free.
Now the German international has signed a new deal until 2031, putting Borussia Dortmund back on top of negotiations.
Despite only just putting pen to paper on a contract extension, within the new agreement is a unique release clause that allows a handful of clubs to pursue a deal for Schlotterbeck this summer.
BILD has now revealed that whilst little is currently known about the exact details of the release clause, it is considered certain that it does apply to two of the defender’s dream clubs in Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
This release clause sits between 50 and 60million euros. This will allow Borussia Dortmund to sell the player for what they believe to be market value, rather than being left with having to demand a much lower fee off potential suitors this summer given the defender was heading for free agency in 2027.
This was key in convincing Nico Schlotterbeck to sign a new deal. For a long time, it was clear that he intended to move on someday, but Borussia Dortmund can now accumulate a big sale and Schlotterbeck can head where he wishes if he does decide to move on this summer. It is a decision that has been made to make both parties happy.
It was reported here at DaveOCKOP that Liverpool had made contact with Nico Schlotterbeck’s representatives as far back as October, but the Reds have since slipped down the pecking order in the list of the German’s preferred destinations.
However, it is important not to count Liverpool out completely as although Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are labelled as Nico Schlotterbeck’s dream clubs, Liverpool are still mentioned in the article from BILD.
“It is considered certain that Schlotterbeck had his dream clubs, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, written into his contract. Furthermore, it can be assumed that other world-class clubs such as Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester or Paris Saint-Germain are also listed.”
When announcing the contract extension, Schlotterbeck had this to say:
“I’m thrilled to have extended my contract with BVB. I deliberately took my time with this because it’s an important decision for me. We had good discussions throughout the process, but even so, it wasn’t something I could wrap up in just a week or two. The club officials presented me with a solid plan, and I know what I have in this club. My goal is to win titles together with Borussia Dortmund.”
The mention of the fact that it took him time to agree to extend his stay with the Bundesliga side proves that the exit clause was more than likely the sticking point.
The defender had no immediate other options, but still wanted the opportunity to move to another club this summer if he impresses at the World Cup.
It remains to be seen whether any of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Liverpool etc. plan to make use of this release clause but it will be one to keep an eye on.
