Matthaus insists ambition does not mean disloyalty <\/p>\n
Speaking to Sky Germany<\/a>, Matthaus explained that Schlotterbeck simply wants to keep future possibilities open. Matthaus suggested that elite players naturally keep an eye on opportunities with Europe\u2019s biggest clubs, and that such clauses are increasingly common in modern contracts.<\/p>\n “It was always about him wanting to take the next step,” he said. “On the other hand, he’s also committed to Borussia Dortmund<\/a>. But if Real Madrid comes calling, you want to keep a door open, at least a small crack you can walk through.<\/p>\n “If fans now say, ‘Oh, then he’s not fully committed anymore’ \u2013 that’s not true. His heart will be in Dortmund. But he wants to keep that door open. If he can wait for another offer after a good World Cup, from which Germany<\/a> would naturally also benefit, then that’s the case with [Dayot] Upamecano, with [Jamal] Musiala, it’s the case with all players \u2013 for some a little earlier, for others a little later. And if he has that option, he should be allowed to use it to his advantage, to perhaps get the chance to play for Real Madrid, for example. That’s perhaps a dream come true, and even bigger than Borussia Dortmund.”<\/p>\n Dortmund could profit from future transfer<\/p>\n Matthaus also argued that Dortmund have actually strengthened their negotiating position by agreeing to the clause. Schlotterbeck is tied to the club until 2031, meaning BVB retain significant leverage if a major club attempts to sign him.<\/p>\n “For Borussia Dortmund, this means: Schlotterbeck has a contract until 2027; they would still receive a transfer fee in 2026, but not in 2027. So he had some leverage,” Matthaus explained. “Instead of the \u20ac30 or 35 million they could have earned with a year left on his contract, BVB would get perhaps \u20ac60 million in transfer fees. That’s roughly \u20ac25 to 30 million more than they missed out on this year due to their early exits from the Champions League and the DFB Cup. And that’s how they can compensate for that.”<\/p>\n What comes next? <\/p>\n