Dortmund Extends Schlotterbeck Contract to 2031

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has signed a contract extension with the German club until 2031, ending months of speculation about a potential transfer to clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old Germany international, who joined Dortmund from Freiburg in 2022, put pen to paper on the new deal on Friday, the club announced. Schlotterbeck was entering the final year of his previous contract, prompting concerns that Dortmund might sell him this summer to avoid losing him for free in 2026. Negotiations had dragged on amid broader squad changes, including extensions for team captain Emre Can despite his season-ending injury and confirmed departures for Julian Brandt, Salih Özcan and Niklas Süle at the end of the campaign.

The process gained momentum after the recent appointment of new sporting director Ole Book, who succeeded Sebastian Kehl last month. Book prioritized resolving Schlotterbeck's future, praising the player's versatility. "In Nico, we have one of the best center backs in the world in our ranks," Book said. "His play with and without the ball, his distribution, his tackling, together with his presence and determination on the...