Borussia Dortmund appeared to pull of a coup by re-signing Nico Schlotterbeck, until you read into the details.
The Germany defender signed a new deal until 2031 on Friday, extending his current contract from its 2027 expiry.
Linked to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, the new deal appeared to be a massive get.
However, it’s quickly emerged that Schlotterbeck now has a €60million release clause, a fee that’s affordable for a club like Madrid should he continue his current form.
As such, Dortmund fans see the deal just as a pay rise at their expense, and let the team and player know.
Before a 1-0 Bundesliga defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, Schlotterbeck’s name was incredibly whistled and booed at the Signal Iduna Park in the centre-back’s first game since deciding to stay.
Dortmund respond to Schlotterbeck boos
“He’s a Borussia Dortmund player who identifies with us. That’s unacceptable,” said BVB director Carsten Cramer in response.
Teammate Waldemar Anton added: “That hurts us as a team, everyone in the stands needs to know that.
“We simply cannot accept that as a team, it’s outrageous, in my opinion.”
Speaking before the match, new sporting director Ole Book talked up the deal.
“It was very important that Nico has sent a signal that he wants to be here, that he has extended his contract,” he said.
“I am very sure that Nico wants to stay with us for a very long time.”
Coach Niko Kovac added: “Now everything is settled, both sides are happy – and of course, so am I as the coach.”
Schlotterbeck explains new deal
Speaking after re-signing, the Germany international told the club’s website: “I’ve always said that I listen to my inner voice and weigh things up.
!I have now come to the conclusion that extending my contract is the right move for my career.
“I’m 26 now and had to make a fundamental decision.
“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.”
He added: “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.
“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.
“It just felt right after the first few years, and I also felt very appreciated by the way I was welcomed back after my injury.
“I know what the fans want from me. I always try to give my all, and I think the fans appreciate that. I’m an emotional sort on the pitch.
“In the dressing room, I’m loud, but not so emotional. And I think that fits in well with the Ruhr region.”
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