- Manchester United dealt with latest Schlotterbeck blow
- Premier League clubs yet to make formal approach
- Fan favourite role playing a key factor for German
Over the international break, Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg confirmed that Manchester United are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck.
However, a new report from Germany has provided a significant update on the future of the German defender.
Schlotterbeck is a left-footed central defender and has been a standout performer for Dortmund in recent seasons. He has been the subject of transfer talk from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. A big factor so far has been that the defender has not yet signed a new deal to keep him at the black and Yellows beyond 2027.
Schlotterbeck could sign new deal
According to German newspaper SPORT BILD via UtdXclusive, there are two primary factors driving Dortmund’s optimism. The first is a surprising lack of formal movement from the Premier League. Both Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation, with Liverpool already having secured the signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for next season.
The second factor is that Schlotterbeck may extend his stay at Signal Iduna Park because there are currently “no real alternatives” that have been put forward to Schlotterbeck’s camp. Only strong rumours have suggested that clubs elsewhere are interested in his services.
Dortmund legend Steffen Freund was quoted by BILD, speaking on the Schlotterbeck situation. The former midfielder defended the centre-back, instead putting the responsibility on the club who should have acted sooner.
Freund said: “As a former player, I am a bit on the player’s point of view, because the contract doesn’t expire until 2027. But he was so good that it [contract] should have been extended a year before. Borussia Dortmund missed this opportunity.”
Reds need to decide
The recent news of the defender considering putting pen on paper should prompt the Reds to make a move if suitable. There have been fitness concerns over Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. The Argentinian could return for the next Premier League fixture against Leeds on 13 April. However, there is no timeline or guarantee that De Ligt will even return to action this season.
The dilemma that Schlotterbeck seems to face is whether he risks damaging his relationship with the Dortmund faithful. The club has seen its fair share of superstars leave for greener pastures in recent years. Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Ousman Dembele are just a few names. Most notably, Jadon Sancho made the move to Old Trafford after a prolonged transfer saga in 2021. Therefore, the supporters would be well used to the idea of another star player leaving.
If Schlotterbeck commits his future to Dortmund, it does not take the move off the table completely. It does, however, make it a lot more expensive. Harry Maguire’s one year contract extension could signal that INEOS are willing to wait another year before prioritising the central defence positions.
The development of Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson could lead to a buffer for now, but the Reds lose out on bringing in international experience over youth. Crucially, the addition of Champions League games adds to the dire need of recruiting in key areas. United could wait until after the World Cup and assess the fitness of Martinez and De Ligt. It could have financial implications if they do not act sooner than that.
Michael Carrick’s side have already been linked to other left footed centrebacks such as Castello Lukeba and Jarrad Branthwaite
