Borussia Dortmund confirms Nico Schlotterbeck talks amid Liverpool interest

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Borussia Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken has offered an update on the German club's contract talks with defender Nico Schlotterbeck, despite attracting interest from Liverpool

Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with both Liverpool and Real Madrid(Image: Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

Borussia Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken says the club is still holding talks with Nico Schlotterbeck in a bid to secure his future.

The 26-year-old center-back has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top defenders, drawing interest from clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid. As the Black and Yellows aim to strengthen their squad for the coming years, pressure is mounting to finalize a deal with their defensive lynchpin, even as Schlotterbeck considers his options for the next stage of his career.

Dortmund has already acted to secure other key pieces of its squad, recently confirming a long-term contract extension for German midfielder Felix Nmecha until 2030.

Meanwhile, Milo Kerkez makes a brutally honest admission over his first-season struggles at Liverpool.

Dortmund hopes Nmecha’s commitment will act as a signal to Schlotterbeck and other potential signings that the Westfalenstadion is a place where top players can achieve their ambitions.

Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten, Ricken stressed that the relationship between Borussia Dortmund and Schlotterbeck remains strong, even though a new contract has yet to be signed. "With Nico, we are still in a good, confidential exchange," said the CEO.

Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"That shows mutual appreciation because we are totally clear there. We also have a common set of expectations and we act accordingly."

Schlotterbeck’s current contract runs until the summer of 2027, but Borussia Dortmund officials are eager for an earlier decision to aid their squad planning.

The defender has been a pivotal figure for the Bundesliga side since joining in 2022, making 146 appearances and scoring 10 goals to date. He has confirmed that he will announce his decision before the end of the season.

Schlotterbeck told Sky Sports Germany in January: "I've set a personal deadline for myself. I won't say when it is. Definitely before the summer, though."

Although he admitted feeling at home in Dortmund, he stated that he is still uncertain whether he will stay at the club or move on. He added: "I feel comfortable here. It won't be an easy decision.

"I'm a gut-feeling kind of guy. I'll sit down with Dad and [brother] Keven and then make a decision. I don't quite know right now how it'll turn out."

Manager Niko Kovac has stressed the defender’s importance to his tactical plans but has been careful not to overstep in the ongoing negotiations. “The coach has nothing to do with it; ultimately, it’s about the club, and the club comes first,” Kovac said during a recent press conference.

If Schlotterbeck chooses to join Liverpool, his arrival would provide a significant boost to the team’s defense, especially if Ibrahima Konate ends up leaving in the summer.