Germany international defender Nico Schlotterbeck has dismissed circulating rumours about his imminent contract renewal at Borussia Dortmund amid reported interest from Real Madrid.
Schlotterbeck’s current contract at the Signal Iduna Park is set to expire in the summer of 2027 and Dortmund are faced with three potential options regarding the German defender’s future as the summer transfer window approaches.
The Bundesliga giants can either secure his future by convincing him to sign a new long-term contract, sanction a sale this summer and at least recoup part of their financial investment or keep onboard even without a renewal and lose him on a free at the end of next season.
Now, Borussia Dortmund are more inclined towards the first of the aforementioned options, and recent reports even claimed that both player and club were edging closer to agreeing terms on a new long-term contract that will keep the Germany international at the Signal Iduna Park until 2031.
However, Schlotterbeck has come out to pour cold water on those reports, stating categorically during a recent interview while on international duties with Germany that he’s far from finding common ground with his current employers in terms of negotiations over a new contract.
“I’m glad you asked me that, because I read it in your news today,” he said, per SPORT. “To be honest, I have to categorically deny it (that his contract renewal with Dortmund is close to being finalised). Unfortunately, we haven’t reached that point yet.”
While Dortmund clearly want to continue their association with Schlotterbeck, the German defender appears to be more inclined towards exploring a new challenge amid reports that Real Madrid are looking to offer him an exit route this summer.
Los Blancos’ need for defensive reinforcements this summer is no secret, and several reports have repeatedly tipped the Spanish giants to attempt the former RB Leipzig star, especially if his contract situation remains at the status quo by the time the transfer window opens.
For now, Borussia Dortmund will keep on trying to get Schlotterbeck on board with their plans, but with just two months left in the current season, they may also have to start looking into possible replacement options.
