Nico Schlotterbeck extends Borussia Dortmund contract as new release clause revealed
Liverpool’s hopes of landing long-term defensive target Nico Schlotterbeck look set to take a hit, with Borussia Dortmund on the verge of tying the centre-back down to a new long-term contract that includes a hefty release clause.
It has been reported here at DaveOCKOP that Liverpool made contact with Nico Schlotterbeck’s camp as far back as October.
With his current deal running to 2027, this summer has widely been billed as the last realistic chance for Dortmund to cash in for a significant fee if he decides not to renew.
But it now seems he is set to remain at Dortmund but with a key caveat.
According to German outlet Kicker, Dortmund have reached agreement in principle with Schlotterbeck over an extension of his current deal, which already runs to 2027. The new contract is expected to keep him at Signal Iduna Park until 2031 and elevate the 26-year-old into the club’s top-earner bracket on a salary of around 14 million euros per year including bonuses.
But crucially, the German international has a release cause set into the new deal that will be active this summer. It’s said to be only open to a few clubs, with it unclear if Liverpool is part of that grouping of clubs.
Journalists Matthias Dersch and Patrick Kleinmann report that the release is between 50 and 60 million euros:
“The months-long negotiations between Borussia Dortmund and Nico Schlotterbeck have been concluded. According to kicker information, BVB will soon announce the contract extension with the national defender.”
“The sticking point was an exit clause for this summer. According to kicker information, the amount now agreed is to be between 50 and 60 million euros and will only apply to a few clubs. For Schlotterbeck, this offers the advantage that he could continue to get the opportunity to quickly move to an absolute top club through strong performances at the World Cup.”
UPDATE:
Borussia Dortmund has now officially announced the contract extension until 2031. Since Kicker were accurate with their earlier scoop on the announcement, it looks like the release clause is also likely to be accurate.
Borussia Dortmund hat den Vertrag mit Nico Schlotterbeck bis 2031 verlängert. Der deutsche Nationalspieler unterschrieb an diesem Freitag seinen neuen Kontrakt. ✍️
Alle Infos:
▶️ https://t.co/DwQzo1x7KE pic.twitter.com/xGn4uA0Yoc
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 10, 2026
Schlotterbeck said of the contract extension:
“I’m thrilled to have extended my contract with BVB. I deliberately took my time with this because it’s an important decision for me. We had good discussions throughout the process, but even so, it wasn’t something I could wrap up in just a week or two. The club officials presented me with a solid plan, and I know what I have in this club. My goal is to win titles together with Borussia Dortmund.”