Nico Schlotterbeck signs new long-term Borussia Dortmund contract
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has signed a new long-term contract with the Bundesliga club, ending speculation of a summer move to clubs including Manchester United. The 26-year-old Germany international has committed his future to Dortmund until 2031, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
Schlotterbeck, who has been a mainstay in Dortmund's defence since joining in 2022, had been linked with a move away from the Westfalenstadion this summer, with his previous deal set to expire in 2027. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid were all reportedly monitoring the situation, with Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reporting United's interest as recently as last week. The central defender's previous contract contained a release clause, but the new deal is understood to have a significantly higher buyout clause that cannot be activated this summer, effectively ending any prospect of a transfer in the upcoming window.
According to reports from Sky Germany, the new terms make Schlotterbeck one of the highest earners at the club, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the defender is now "among the best paid" players in the Dortmund squad. German outlet Kicker also reports that a new release clause has been inserted into the contract, but it is not active this summer. The 26-year-old has been a key figure for Dortmund, earning a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season three times in the last four years and earning 25 caps for Germany.
Manchester United, who are expected to be active in the summer transfer market, had been linked with a move for the left-footed centre-back as they look to strengthen their defence. The club, under new football leadership, had reportedly identified Schlotterbeck as a target to bolster their left-sided defensive options. The German international's previous contract situation had made a transfer for a fee in the region of €30-35 million a possibility, a figure that represented a potential bargain for a player of his quality and experience.
Schlotterbeck's decision to commit his future to Dortmund is a significant boost for the club as they plan for the future under new head coach Nuri Sahin. His decision to sign a long-term extension suggests a commitment to the project at Dortmund, where he has developed into one of the Bundesliga's most consistent defenders. The new deal secures a key asset for the club and removes a major source of transfer speculation, allowing the club to build its defence around him for the foreseeable future. For Manchester United and other suitors, the deal represents a significant setback in their summer recruitment plans, forcing them to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.
