More details are emerging on Nico Schlotterbeck’s Borussia Dortmund contract extension, and they’re not likely to ease tensions.
Schlotterbeck signed a new deal with BVB last week, keeping him at the club until 2031, rather than his 2027 expiry.
Given his elite talent, it seemed like good news, but ahead of a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen his name was booed and whistled, as were his first touches.
Why have BVB fans turned on Schlotterbeck?
That’s because of an apparent affordable release clause in his contract of around €60million.
Fans see the re-signing as just a payday for Schlotterbeck, and their anger appears to be justified.
Sky Germany now add that the clause could be as low as €50m, and a number of teams will be allowed to activate it.
Among them are Real Madrid, but crucially not Bayern Munich.
The clause also comes into effect after the World Cup, meaning Schlotterbeck could be well using the tournament as a shop window before jumping ship earlier than his previous deal would have allowed.
He’s also had a pay-rise to €14m per-year, making him one of BVB’s top earners.
BVB’s transfer strategy exposed
Dortmund reporter Oliver Müller discussed the current atmosphere, and explained why BVB fans are so wise to it.
“BVB has already used this tactic,” he explained.
“With Waldemar Anton from VfB Stuttgart [signed a new deal], and then two or three months later he was at BVB.
“And the VfB management were still happy in the end that they had extended the contract because they received more money.
“These two situations are indeed comparable. With one, but subtle, difference: Anton received the boos after his transfer, while Schlotterbeck is already being booed, even though he hasn’t left yet. On the contrary: even though he has extended his contract.
“The fans aren’t stupid, of course. They know how the business works.”
BVB legend Jürgen Kohler was similarly critical, but mainly of Dortmund’s work in the market.
“Quite honestly, a release clause isn’t a clear commitment to me. It’s not genuine love,” he said.
“While it’s a reality in modern football negotiations, the crucial point isn’t the symbolism, but the specific terms.
“If a clause is below market value, a club loses control in the long run. You’re extending the contract – but simultaneously planning your next move. That’s not a sign of strength.”
Asked about his criticism of his former club, he said: “I’m not criticising, I’m analysing.
“Borussia Dortmund regularly loses key players. The question is: Is this planned? Or does it just happen?
“The next step in their development would be to gain more control over these situations. A top player shouldn’t even feel like he has to leave to take the next step.
“The big clubs determine the timing and conditions of a transfer themselves.
“At Borussia Dortmund, I often get the feeling that they react rather than act.
“If you’re always already factoring in the next departure, you’ll never reach the very top.”
Giving his final thoughts on if it’s a good deal, he said: Kohler: “In the short term, yes, because you’re securing an important player.
“In the long term, everything depends on whether you maintain control.
“You now have a top player – but with a built-in exit strategy. In such situations, there’s often no real winner.”
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