Despite an improved contract offer, Nico Schlotterbeck may be on his way out of Borussia Dortmund after all. Germany’s West Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung reports that FC Barcelona are stepping up their courtship of the Bundesliga professional. Former German national team coach Hansi Flick is said to be a strong advocate of bringing in his former player.
In their recent public statements on the matter, both BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl and head coach Niko Kovac have reiterated that they believe Schlotterbeck ultimately wishes to remain with his current club. Speaking to Sky Germany prior to kickoff at Dortmund’s Bundesliga fixture against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend again stated that negotiations were proceeding well.
“I think he knows what he has in us,” Kehl said at the time. “That’s why I’ve repeatedly emphasized that I’m positive.“
What is the status of other Schlotterbeck links?
Sky Germany and Sport Bild have also linked the 26-year-old with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. These two sources, along with the WAZ paper, list Schlotterbeck’s prospects of remained with Dortmund as “increasingly slim“.
One must nevertheless note that the 23-times-capped German international is not being rushed when it comes to decisions over his future. Schlotterbeck’s current BVB contract runs until 2027.
