Borussia Dortmund chief makes frank admission on Nico Schlotterbeck future

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Borussia Dortmund's chief has made a frank admission regarding the future of defender Nico Schlotterbeck amid growing transfer speculation. Despite interest from Liverpool, Dortmund reportedly see any January move as unlikely, having already ruled out a sale this winter.

Schlotterbeck, whose contract runs until 2027, is said to be dissatisfied with Dortmund’s current contract extension offer, which proposes around €8 million gross annually. This figure contrasts sharply with teammate Niklas Süle's reported €14 million yearly salary, despite Süle spending significant time on the bench. This wage discrepancy is a key factor in Schlotterbeck's considerations about his future.

Although Dortmund has a history of selling players if the price is right, Liverpool's previously reported £50 million bid from last summer may fall short of Dortmund's valuation now, especially considering transfer taxes and contract length. Signing Schlotterbeck would address Liverpool’s defensive needs, given their ageing and injury-prone center-back options, but Dortmund remain reticent to let the player leave mid-season.

In the wider context, Bayern Munich also remain a potential suitor, which could complicate Liverpool’s attempts, highlighting the competitive nature of the transfer market around Schlotterbeck. Dortmund’s official stance, as expressed by club representatives, acknowledges Schlotterbeck’s right to carefully plan his footballing future, but they emphasize the club’s current intention to retain him.

Overall, Dortmund's position combines openness to negotiation in the right circumstance but a clear preference to keep Schlotterbeck at least until the end of the season, aligning with both sporting and financial considerations influencing this promising defender's future.