6 hours ago
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Rises to become the top earner
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Nico Schlotterbeck has extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund. Sky had recently reported that the 26-year-old was set to sign a new deal with BVB, before the centre-back denied this whilst on international duty. Now, Kicker has reported on the extension, which the club confirmed shortly afterward.
Instead of 2027, Schlotterbeck is now tied to the club until 2031. According to the latest reports, the new contract comes with a substantial pay rise from €5.5 million to €14 million, meaning he would replace Niklas Süle as the club’s top earner from the summer onwards. According to “Kicker”, however, the pay rise is not quite as high. It reports that Schlotterbeck’s fixed salary is around 10 million euros, and even with bonuses, he would not reach 14 million euros. He remains, however, one of the highest-earning professionals at the club.
Schlotterbeck had been holding talks in recent months primarily with sporting director Sebastian Kehl, whom the club parted ways with at the end of March. This was also why the player had recently denied that an extension was imminent. Kehl’s successor, Ole Book, continued the negotiations alongside sporting director Lars Ricken, during which a decisive breakthrough was reached. It is said that both sides met each other halfway.
Schlotterbeck’s Dortmund release clause takes effect as early as 2026
The new contract is said to include a release clause, valid as early as this summer, set at between €50 million and €60 million, but applicable only to a select few clubs. The magazine does not specify exactly which ones. Should this clause be triggered, he would become the most expensive German defender in history. This title is currently held by Shkodran Mustafi, who moved from Valencia to Arsenal in 2016 for €41 million.
“I’m absolutely delighted 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, yet for me it wasn’t a process that was wrapped up after just one or two weeks. 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,” said Schlotterbeck.
Schlotterbeck, who had recently been linked with Real Madrid, Liverpool FC and Bayern Munich, joined Dortmund in 2022 for €20 million and has made 155 appearances for the Black and Yellows to date.
Dortmund: Ricken and Book on Schlotterbeck’s contract extension
Ricken explained: “We have achieved our goal – clarity by mid-April. That was important to me. Nico Schlotterbeck is a leader at BVB and in the national team. We are delighted that he has returned to top form so quickly following his recent serious injury. That demonstrates his determination and class. We are absolutely convinced that Nico can continue to develop at Borussia Dortmund and become indispensable to our club. Conveying that to him was very important to us during our discussions, which were characterized by mutual respect and trust.”
Book stated: “In Nico, we have one of the best center-backs around in our ranks. His play with and against the ball, his ability to build play, his tackling, coupled with his presence and aggression on the pitch – all of that makes him incredibly valuable to us. We are certain that, together with Nico, we can achieve a great deal at Borussia Dortmund.” With a market value of €55 million, Schlotterbeck is one of the 15 most valuable center-backs in the world.
