Nico Schlotterbeck’s future at Borussia Dortmund remains open as Lars Ricken outlines three possible outcomes.
Borussia Dortmund sporting managing director Lars Ricken has revealed that there are three possible outcomes regarding the future of defender Nico Schlotterbeck as contract talks continue.
Negotiations between Dortmund and Schlotterbeck have been ongoing for several months, with discussions focused on extending his deal beyond 2027. However, no final agreement has yet been reached. Ricken explained that the club’s preferred outcome is to extend the contract, but acknowledged two alternative possibilities. These include selling the defender in the summer or entering the final year of his current deal.
The Dortmund official made it clear that going into the last year of the contract is not desirable for either side. He stressed that both the club and the player would prefer to avoid that scenario.
Despite the uncertainty, Ricken remains optimistic that a renewal can still be agreed. He confirmed that discussions are continuing and that the club’s new sporting director, Ole Book, has already held his first meeting with Schlotterbeck.
German legend Lothar Matthäus suggested Dortmund should impose a deadline to speed up negotiations. However, Ricken rejected that idea, insisting that talks are progressing respectfully without the need for additional pressure. He emphasised that setting artificial deadlines could disrupt the positive tone of discussions. According to Ricken, both parties are comfortable with the agreed timeframe and see no need to rush a decision.
Ricken concluded by noting that he has held several conversations with Schlotterbeck and understands the player’s need to carefully consider his future. He added that such deliberation is normal for a player of Schlotterbeck’s quality, and the club remains confident of reaching a solution.
