Dortmund in contract crisis as Schlotterbeck demands €10m from them

Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is in contract extension talks, demanding a guaranteed €10m salary to become one of the club’s highest-paid players. 

Fresh off a meniscus injury, the defender has hinted he’s not rushing to renew his contract, which runs until 2027. 

Schlotterbeck seeks assurance that Dortmund is building a title-contending team before committing long-term. With Niklas Süle’s €14m contract nearing its end, Dortmund has the financial flexibility to meet his demands.

However, Schlotterbeck’s ambitions extend beyond money. He wants evidence of Dortmund’s potential to compete for major honors. 

This hesitation has caught the attention of top clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, with Bayern’s interest tied to ongoing contract discussions with their defender Dayot Upamecano. 

If Dortmund cannot secure a new deal, they may face pressure to sell their defensive star next summer to avoid losing him for a lower fee later.

Schlotterbeck’s rise since joining from Freiburg has made him a cornerstone of Dortmund’s backline, and his performances have solidified his status as a German international. 

His decision will hinge on Dortmund’s ability to demonstrate progress toward becoming a championship-caliber team. 

For now, the 24-year-old remains focused on his recovery and contributions on the pitch, but his future at the Westfalenstadion remains uncertain as negotiations continue.

Elsewhere, the futures of Emre Can, Niklas Süle, Pascal Groß, and Julian Brandt at Borussia Dortmund are uncertain as their contracts near their end.

With all four players commanding high salaries, Dortmund aim to reduce their wage bill. Captain Emre Can, highly valued by the club and head coach Niko Kovac, could secure a one-year extension but only with a pay cut. Centre-back Niklas Süle, the club’s top earner at €14m annually, remains a key squad member under Kovac. 

However, any contract renewal would require a significant salary reduction and a performance-based deal. 

Pascal Groß, at 34, is likely in his final season, as his ball-playing ability is offset by his inability to match the game’s pace, making him no longer a regular starter. 

Dortmund’s management faces tough decisions to balance financial constraints with squad competitiveness.