Nico Schlotterbeck dismisses reports of a new Borussia Dortmund deal, while club chief Lars Ricken clarifies their long-term stance.
Nico Schlotterbeck has poured cold water on reports suggesting he is close to signing a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund, admitting he was surprised by the speculation surrounding his future.
The defender addressed the rumours after Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ghana, where he was asked directly about claims of an imminent agreement. Contrary to the headlines, Schlotterbeck insisted no deal had been reached.
“I must clearly deny that. Unfortunately, we haven’t reached that point,” the 26-year-old said, shutting down suggestions that his future had already been decided. His comments quickly drew attention, given the widespread reports of a breakthrough.
Schlotterbeck revealed that recent changes behind the scenes at Dortmund have complicated the negotiation process. He explained that discussions had previously been ongoing but were affected by shifts in the club’s sporting leadership.
The centre-back noted that he had been negotiating for a long time with Sebastian Kehl before the change. With a new structure now in place, he indicated that fresh talks would need to take place before any decision could be made.
He added that he plans to speak with Dortmund’s new sporting director, Ole Book, but stressed that the timing is not right yet. Schlotterbeck admitted the uncertainty is difficult both for supporters and for himself.
Since joining Dortmund in 2022, Schlotterbeck has grown into a key figure in the team’s defence. He has made 154 competitive appearances for the club and contributed 10 goals, underlining his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Following the defender’s comments, Dortmund sporting managing director Lars Ricken responded publicly to clarify the club’s position. He acknowledged that the player’s remarks were understandable.
Ricken confirmed that neither a breakthrough nor an agreement had been reached, adding that recent media coverage had surprised the club as well. However, he emphasized that Dortmund’s desire to keep Schlotterbeck long-term remains unchanged.
Schlotterbeck’s current contract runs until 2027, giving Dortmund some breathing room. Nevertheless, with negotiations still pending and interest likely to grow, the coming months could prove crucial in determining whether the defender commits his future to the Bundesliga side.
