Borussia Dortmund complete the signing of Nico Schlotterbeck
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Nico Schlotterbeck from SC Freiburg, with the highly rated defender signing a five year contract with the club.
After months of speculation, Nico Schlotterbeck has completed his move to Borussia Dortmund. The German international underwent his medical and signed his contract on Monday. He joins the Black and Yellows on a five year contract.
According to BILD, SC Freiburg will receive a transfer fee of 20 million euros plus five million euros in bonuses for the sale of Schlotterbeck, who had just over one year left on his contract. They are reportedly planning to replace him with former Borussia Dortmund defender Matthias Ginter.
Schlotterbeck has long been Borussia Dortmund’s preferred candidate to replace Manuel Akanji, who is being linked with a move to Manchester United. Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur were also said to be interested in signing Schlotterbeck, but he decided to join BVB.
Incoming sporting director Sebastian Kehl said that Schlotterbeck decided to make the switch to Borussia Dortmund despite receiving better offers from other clubs.
"“Nico’s path reminds me of my own, because I also came to BVB from Freiburg as a young player at his age. I hope that Dortmund will become a new home for him, just as it did for me back then. Nico has enormous potential. He didn’t choose the best offer from among many interested clubs, but chose BVB in order to continue his development.”"
Schlotterbeck has been one of the breakout stars in the Bundesliga this season, and has played a crucial role in Freiburg’s impressive run in both the league and the DFB-Pokal. Now, the 22 year old will look to take the next step in his career at Borussia Dortmund.
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Schlotterbeck becomes Borussia Dortmund’s second signing of the summer transfer window following the arrival of Niklas Süle on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Marco Rose’s side have conceded 50 Bundesliga goals in just 32 games this season. And the hope will be that the arrivals of Schlotterbeck and Süle can bring some stability to the BVB defence next season.