Bayern set sights on Nico Schlotterbeck as priority if Upamecano exits, says Matthäus

Lothar Matthäus has lit the fuse on Bayern’s summer planning, insisting the club must push for Nico Schlotterbeck if Dayot Upamecano departs. The Borussia Dortmund defender, under contract to 2027 but hesitating on an extension, fits Bayern’s blueprint perfectly: a left-footed center-back with elite distribution, press resistance, and aerial presence. With squad recalibration looming, Schlotterbeck would instantly strengthen Bayern’s first phase and set-piece threat, while weakening a direct rival. All signals suggest Bayern’s hierarchy, led by Max Eberl, are prepared to act decisively to secure a German core linchpin who can define their back line for years.

In Germany, Lothar Matthäus publicly recommended that Bayern target Nico Schlotterbeck should Dayot Upamecano leave in the summer. Schlotterbeck remains contracted to Borussia Dortmund until 2027, with talks about a longer deal not yet concluded. Bayern are assessing center-back options as part of broader squad planning, with internal discussions centering on profile, age, and ball-progression needs. The situation is fluid, but the message from respected voices is clear: Schlotterbeck is the right-profile solution if a vacancy emerges.

Lothar Matthäus: "If Upamecano does leave Bayern in the summer, there will be a quality and quantity problem in that position. Then FC Bayern should go for Nico Schlotterbeck . He's currently hesitating about extending his contract with BVB beyond 2027, and Dortmund would have to

@iMiaSanMia

Impact Analysis

From a tactical lens, Schlotterbeck is almost purpose-built for Bayern’s next iteration. The left-footed center-back would balance the back line, enabling cleaner exits under pressure and unlocking diagonal switches to wingers like Sané and Coman. His long-range passing and line-breaking ability instantly elevate Bayern’s first and second phases, allowing the No. 6 to push higher and compress the field. In possession-dominant systems, this profile is a force multiplier: the center-back becomes a playmaker, not just a stopper.

Defensively, Schlotterbeck’s anticipation and aggressive front-foot style suit a high-line team. He wins territory early, compresses space, and brings aerial security on both ends. Set pieces have been a swing variable for Bayern in recent seasons; his timing and leap would add clear value. Age profile matters too: as a German international entering his prime, he reinforces the club’s long-term spine and homegrown identity.

There are hurdles. Dortmund will demand a rivalry premium for a cornerstone defender under a long contract, and negotiations will be political as well as financial. Yet Bayern have repeatedly executed intra-league power moves when the fit is irrefutable. If Upamecano departs, the logic is overwhelming; even if he stays, Schlotterbeck’s left-footedness and progression could justify a strategic splurge to recalibrate the defense for the next cycle.

Reaction

Fan discourse is already boiling. A sizable faction loves the double win: fill a glaring left-sided need and weaken a direct rival. Their argument is straightforward—Bayern’s DNA is built on decisive, league-shaping moves, and Schlotterbeck is currently the top German center-back. Some push it further, calling on Max Eberl to retain Upamecano and add Schlotterbeck, then monetize surplus to fund the upgrade.

Price is the flashpoint. Skeptics joke that a Premier League-inflated market will push the fee toward nine digits, urging Bayern to walk away if the number spirals. A minority highlight perceived volatility—penalty concessions or high-risk defending—questioning whether that translates cleanly to Bayern’s pressure cooker.

Alternative names inevitably surface: Jonathan Tah as a cheaper path, Micky van de Ven for raw pace and a natural left foot, even a swoop for Marc Guehi on a free in future scenarios. Others propose a surgical reshuffle—sell Kim Min-jae, extend Upamecano, land Schlotterbeck—and exit the window with a younger, faster, more progressive line. The prevailing current, though, is clear: fans want ambition, and they want Eberl to make a statement signing that resets the back line.

Social reactions

Stop,tah can’t be starting cb next season so bayern need schlotterbeck and keep upamecano and then sell kim and sign free agent guehi

Axmed (@AAlmansuur)

Quantity i understand but quality and lotterschleck thanks no

P.atrik030 (@p_at_030)

joke, kim is better than schlotterbeck.

alex Цуи (@alex20211011)

Prediction

Scenario A (Upamecano leaves): Bayern elevate Schlotterbeck to priority status. Expect early contact with the player’s camp to gauge openness and salary framework, followed by a structured proposal to Dortmund with add-ons tied to appearances and team success. A fee band in the high tens to low eight figures is realistic given contract length and rivalry dynamics. Bayern push to close before preseason to embed build-up patterns quickly.

Scenario B (Upamecano stays): Bayern still pursue Schlotterbeck if they can offload a center-back to balance minutes and budget. Kim Min-jae becomes the prime candidate to cash in on, with Eric Dier preserved for depth and leadership. The pitch to the player is compelling: guaranteed left-sided role, Champions League contention, and a German core.

Scenario C (Dortmund extend): Bayern pivot to alternative profiles. Jonathan Tah remains a cost-efficient, ball-secure option; van de Ven is stylistically ideal but difficult to pry from the Premier League; Guehi fits the age and athletic profile if contract opportunities align. Even in this case, Bayern likely return for Schlotterbeck in a future window if extension talks stall again.

My read: Bayern initiate discreet talks immediately and press hard once their outgoing piece is clear. Momentum—and fit—favor this transfer.

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Conclusion

Everything points in one direction: Bayern need a left-footed organizer with passing range and presence, and Nico Schlotterbeck ticks every box. He future-proofs the defense, cleans up first-phase build-up, and adds set-piece bite—all while reinforcing a German core that resonates with supporters and the dressing room. The rivalry tax and political theater are real, but Bayern have navigated this path before when the upside was transformational.

If Upamecano moves on, the case becomes irresistible; if he stays, Schlotterbeck still feels like the decisive nudge that turns a solid back line into an elite, modern unit. Dortmund will fight to keep him, yet hesitation on an extension opens a window—and Bayern, with Max Eberl steering, are at their best when they sense inevitability.

Call it what it is: a statement signing that aligns with identity, ambition, and tactical evolution. The smart money says Bayern make the move and reshape the Bundesliga balance once again.