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Nico Schlotterbeck has penned a new contract with Borussia Dortmund, however, he could still leave the club this summer due to a release clause.
The defender previously denied reports in March linking him with a move to Liverpool, insisting a new deal with Dortmund was not close.
However, fresh terms have now been agreed, though his future remains uncertain. Schlotterbeck said after signing the new deal: “I’m absolutely delighted to have extended my contract with BVB.
“I deliberately took my time with the decision because it’s an important one for me. We had good discussions throughout, but it wasn’t a process that was completed in just a week or two.
“The club officials presented me with a good plan, and I know what I have at this club. My goal is to win titles together with Borussia Dortmund.”
The 26-year-old is believed to have secured an exit clause that could be activated after the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Schlotterbeck is expected to use the tournament as a platform to impress with the German national team and attract interest from top clubs.
Liverpool and Real Madrid could both be in the market for defensive reinforcements. At Anfield, Ibrahima Konate has yet to extend his contract, while Virgil van Dijk, 34, is nearing the latter stages of his career.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid face uncertainty with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba entering the final year of their deals, and Eder Militão’s injury record remains a concern, despite emerging options like Dean Huijsen and Raúl Asencio.
According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Liverpool, alongside Real Madrid are among the few clubs capable of activating Schlotterbeck’s release clause this summer, which is believed to be in the region of €50-60million.
Plettenberg posted on X: “Now confirmed, as revealed yesterday on our show Transfer Update: Liverpool (alongside Real Madrid) are also one of the few clubs that can activate a release clause for Nico Schlotterbeck this summer.
“The fee is around €50-60 million. #LFC The release clause is not valid for the entire summer transfer window. According to @M_Wessing , it expires around the time of the World Cup final (19 July).”
Nico Schlotterbeck has racked up 32 appearances, scored four goals, and provided two assists for Dortmund across all competitions this season.
Liverpool’s focus remains on securing a new deal for Konate before his contract expires in June 2026. Fabrizio Romano reports that talks are advanced.
It remains unclear whether Liverpool will pursue another centre-back once Konate’s future is resolved. If he stays, the squad could head into the 2026/27 season with four natural options, including Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet.