Bild: Dortmund wants to keep Schlotterbeck in emotional perspective

According to Bild, Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck is becoming a hot commodity in the transfer market. 

The defensive linchpin holds a very high position within Borussia Dortmund, and has recently even been linked with Bayern Munich. However, Borussia Dortmund is determined to keep him at all costs. The current issue is that Schlotterbeck remains on the fence about renewing his contract until 2030. His existing contract is set to expire in 2027, and he plans to make a decision on whether to extend it only next year. 

To win over this key player, Dortmund's management has decided to approach the matter from an emotional perspective. Club executives hope to influence his decision by leveraging the deep emotional connection he and his family have with the team—Schlotterbeck's family attends almost every game to cheer him on. It is reported that the CEO of the club, Watzke, personally attempted to persuade the players to stay through emotional communication. He explained to Schlotbeck the significance of growing into a world-class star like Hummels in Dortmund, hoping to stimulate his sense of identity and belonging. 

At the same time, the club's senior management has also formulated emergency plans. If Schlotterbeck leaves early, it will endanger the team's performance or key bonus income. Dortmund may insist on letting him fulfill his contract until 2027. This can not only ensure the team's competitive stability, but also convey the club's tough attitude and ambition to the outside world. A similar situation is not the first to occur in the club's history. As early as 2014, in the face of Robert Lewandowski's transfer turmoil, Borussia Dortmund also took a tough stance, and ultimately the forward joined FC Bayern Munich on a free transfer.