Borussia Dortmund managing director for sport Lars Ricken is not in a rush to seek a contract renewal of their Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck amid reported interest from other clubs.
Schlotterbeck, 25, has been at Dortmund since 2022 and has a contract until 2027. He has just returned from a long injury lay-off and is a key player for club and country.
Ricken told broadcasters RTL/ntv and sport.de ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga table topper at leaders Bayern Munich that “I don’t think we have become hectic” and that is situation is “fully OK” as it is now.
Should Schlotterbeck not want to renew his contract, Dortmund would only get a fee next summer. Munich are said to be interested, and so are reportedly other clubs such as Premier League champions Liverpool.
Schlotterbeck said last week while at the German national team that he has nothing to say on the issue.
Ricken said he wants to keep Schlotterbeck at the club as a figurehead and highlighted the player’s commitment in his return from injury.
“He took a certain health risk for his team-mates, for the club, for the fans. So there is a great deal of trust and closeness,” Ricken said.
“It’s a matter of coming up with a joint plan, and we will all take the time to hold these discussions.”
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac told Sky TV he doesn’t believe Schlotterbeck is overly concerned about his future.
“What I see is entirely positive. Schlotti is completely committed to this club. He enjoys every minute he spends in the black and yellow shirt, so I’m not worried about the future. The focus is on the present, and he’s very important to us right now,” Kovac said.
