The German defender is being tracked by several major clubs, something that Dortmund are well aware of. For that reason, the club’s board wants to renew his contract as soon as possible and avoid the risk of him leaving for free when his current deal expires in 2027. Real Madrid, who have him on their radar to reinforce the back line, had already begun preparing a possible move for the player.

A Strategy Dortmund Have Used Before

However, Borussia Dortmund have moved quickly. According to several reports, the club has already held at least two meetings with the player’s representatives, and all indications suggest the talks have progressed positively.

The proposal from Dortmund includes a salary increase and a very clear strategy: renew his contract while leaving the door open for a future departure, as long as a significant offer arrives that benefits the club.

This formula is nothing new for the German side. Borussia Dortmund have built much of their financial stability through the sale of top talents, as happened in the past with Erling Haaland and Ousmane Dembélé.

The club’s intention is not necessarily to keep the player for many years at any cost, but to ensure that if an interested team arrives, they will have to pay a substantial fee that allows Dortmund to maintain financial stability and continue developing new talents, just as they once did with Schlotterbeck himself.

A Key Player For Niko Kovač

For now, the defender remains calm and focused on his performances with the team. He also has the possibility of playing in the next World Cup if he continues showing his current level with Borussia Dortmund, the club with which he has already played 153 matches and where he has become a key piece for head coach Niko Kovač, while also wearing the captain’s armband.

The message for Real Madrid seems clear: if they want to sign Nico Schlotterbeck, they will have to wait… and be ready to open their wallet.

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