Matthaus: Schlotterbeck needs to be cautious before leaving Dortmund

‘Bild’s information about Nico Schlotterbeck's decision not to renew with Borussia Dortmund has fueled rumors about his future. The 26-year-old German center-back is one of the most highly rated defenders on the market, and his refusal to extend his contract with his current club until 2027 to make the leap to European elite has led many teams, including FC Barcelona, to consider signing him as a good market opportunity.

It is no secret that Hansi Flick would like to incorporate a specialist for the left profile of the blaugrana's central defense after the unexpected departure of Iñigo Martínez last summer. Barcelona has not yet found a reliable substitute, and although Gerard Martín will continue in this position, the sports management led by Deco is closely monitoring everything that happens in the market. In this regard, Schlotterbeck could be a great reinforcement for the defense if the entity's economic situation allows it to undertake an operation of this nature.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the 'noise' around the center-back continues to grow. A legend of German football, for example, has dedicated his opinion column in 'Sky Sport' to talk about the topic. Lothar Matthäus has advised Schlotterbeck to think “very carefully” if it really suits him to leave Borussia Dortmund. “Without a doubt, he could earn more at other clubs, but he is the captain of a fantastic project that is currently third in the Bundesliga and is in a promising position in the Champions League and the Cup,” he said.

"Schlotterbeck has achieved many things in Dortmund and is highly valued. If I were him, I would think very carefully about whether to leave the club or stay. The team has to learn from its mistakes to reduce the gap with Bayern Munich, but it has great potential with Guirassy, Nmecha, Adeyemi, Kobel in goal... It has five world-class players and the rest of the squad is not bad," said the former German footballer. 

Bayern is one of the clubs most interested in Schlotterbeck, but from Germany it has been made very clear that Borussia Dortmund will prioritize selling the footballer to a foreign team. In any case, there is a year and a half left until Nico's contract expires, so at Signal Iduna Park they must not waste time finding a solution to the conundrum.