SC Freiburg boss admits Borussia Dortmund target Nico Schlotterbeck could leave in the summer

SC Freiburg sporting director Jochen Saier has admitted that Nico Schlotterbeck could leave the club in the summer, amid reported interest from Borussia Dortmund. 

Borussia Dortmund are said to be interested in signing a new centre-back in the summer, and Nico Schlotterbeck is reportedly one of the names on their list of targets. The 22 year old has been one of SC Freiburg’s top performers this season. And their sporting director Jochen Saier has now revealed that clubs have already been putting out feelers for the highly rated defender.

In an interview with Sky Sport, Jochen Saier said:

"“It’s pretty clear that we’ve already had one or two conversations with other clubs, because some of them have already put out feelers. (In the summer) we will make a good decision together. But I’m not going to say: ‘He’ll definitely still be with us next season’. That would also be a bit presumptuous.”"

Saier added that while Schlotterbeck could leave Freiburg in the summer, he will be staying at the club at least until the end of the season.

In addition to Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are also thought to be interested in signing Schlotterbeck. The English Premier League side even made an approach to sign the German international this month, but it was knocked back. According to Sky Sport, Schlotterbeck will probably leave Freiburg in the summer and his signature would cost around 20-30 million euros.

Schlotterbeck has made a total of 19 appearances for Freiburg so far this season. His performances have been crucial to their stunning run in the Bundesliga this season. Christian Streich’s side find themselves in fourth place in the Bundesliga standings at the moment.

Borussia Dortmund fans may get the chance to take a closer look at Nico Schlotterbeck on Friday, when the Black and Yellows host SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.