‘Not unlikely’: Freiburg director gives Newcastle green light for Schlotterbeck swoop

Add as preferred source on Google

Klemens Hartenbach has told Sky Germany it is ‘unlikely’ Nico Schlotterbeck stays with SC Freiburg past the season, in a big boost as Newcastle United reportedly target his transfer.

Schlotterbeck has shone at the Europa-Park Stadion this term under Christian Streich, but he enters the final year of his contract in June. Having also broken into the Germany side this season, ‘realist’ Hartenbach admits it will now be hard to convince him to stay longer.

The Breisgau-Brasilianer sporting director feels Streich guiding the Baden-Wurttemberg outfit to a big finish could tempt him to snub interest. But the chances of an appealing option emerging are still high, given the potential the 22-year-old has displayed already.

Schlotterbeck has admitted he is not set on leaving Freiburg and will sit down with the club in the summer. He also snubbed a move to Tyneside in January, with 90min reporting the Toon made an offer exceeding £40m. But he did not view the transfer as the right option.

Eddie Howe remains keen, though, as 90min reported this week the boss wants to sign at least one more centre-half. Newcastle chiefs believe Schlotterbeck is worth another move as the Freiburg star is a huge talent, and Sport1 note he’s now available for €20m (£17m).

Director admits it’s ‘unlikely’ Newcastle target Schlotterbeck stays at Freiburg

With the club’s Premier League status looking much more secure than it was when Howe moved for Schlotterbeck in January, the Freiburg star may now view a transfer in a more positive light. Hartenbach’s comments show his club will not show much resistance, too.

“I’m a realist,” Hartenbach said, via quotes by Fussball.News. “I rate the chances of Nico staying here as relatively low.

“[He will likely only stay] if the best things come together, we really achieve the very best this year and maybe there isn’t a club that Nico really itches and that suits him. It is not unlikely that he won’t be here next year.”

Howe may have to sell the idea of life at St James’ Park still, though. 90min noted during January that Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich were also keen. Schlotterbeck has also previously downplayed a desire to move abroad, so may prefer to stay in Germany.