Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck finally put an end to hius long-drawn transfer saga by committing his future to the club.
The German international signed a contract extension that keeps him at the Signal Iduna Park until 2031, pouring cold water to all exit rumors.
His initial term was supposed to end in 2027, leaving the Black and Yellows with a dilemma to either extend or sell him off for a price, instead of losing him for free next year.
Reports of negotiations had been doing the rounds for several weeks but talks had not progressed as expected. After the international break, Schlotterbeck had also quashed rumors of signing a new deal yet which served to amplify exit rumors.
Linked to Spanish giants Real Madrid, the 26-year-old 's contract extension secures his future at Dortmund as he expressed delight at staying on for a few more years. He said:
"“Basically, I knew what I have in this club and what I will continue to have here in the future. That’s why I’ve now decided to stay with BVB. I’m absolutely delighted to be extending my contract here.”"said Schlotterbeck
Joining from Freiburg in 2022, Schlotterbeck has made 155 appearances for Dortmund, including 106 in the Bundesliga but a trophy eludes his tenure so far with the player not having lifted any silverware in four years at the club. But he remained committed to fulfilling his ambition:
"“Of course, my aim is to win a title. And of course I want to win titles with BVB. I’m going to step up now so that we can win a title with BVB. That’s what we all play for at BVB.""said the centre-back
Schlotterbeck reached the DFB-Pokal finals in 2022 and the Champions League final in 2024, losing on both occasions. He affirmed his intention of winning a trophy at the club.
""Of course, we’ve come close twice before, in 2023 and 2024. I’ve seen what can be achieved here, the sheer power that the club, the stadium and the city can unleash. “That’s why this is the big goal I want to achieve with BVB. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I signed my first contract almost four years ago, and that’s why I’ve signed now.""added the Dortmund star
However, it wasn't enough to prevent the Dortmund fans from booing him in their recent clash. The supporters are apparently frustrated at the long-drawn out talks but more importantly, because there's a release clause of €60million in his new contract, which can easily be activated by Real Madrid.