Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck has signed a contract extension until 2031, but the deal includes a release clause that could allow him to leave the club this summer, according to Sky Germany.
The 26-year-old’s extension, announced in April, has been met with mixed reactions from Dortmund supporters, with some voicing their frustration at the inclusion of the clause. Reports initially suggested the release clause is between €50-60 million and applies to a limited number of clubs.
Sky Germany reports that Liverpool and Real Madrid are among the eligible clubs able to trigger the clause, with a third club remaining undisclosed. This potentially opens the door for a significant transfer should Schlotterbeck perform well at the upcoming World Cup with Germany.
Schlotterbeck joined Borussia Dortmund from SC Freiburg in 2022 for a reported fee of €25 million. He quickly established himself as a key player in the Dortmund defence, making 36 appearances across all competitions last season. His form earned him a place in the Germany national team, and he is expected to start alongside Jonathan Tah in central defence under manager Julian Nagelsmann.
The timing of the release clause activation, coinciding with the World Cup, presents Schlotterbeck with a platform to showcase his abilities on a global stage. A strong tournament could significantly increase his market value and potentially prompt one of the eligible clubs to meet the release clause. Dortmund currently sit fifth in the Bundesliga and are aiming to secure Champions League qualification in their final two matches of the season.
Dortmund host Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday before travelling to Werder Bremen next week. The club will be hoping Schlotterbeck remains focused on these crucial fixtures despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Should he depart, Dortmund will need to quickly identify a suitable replacement to maintain defensive stability.
