Dortmund Faces St Pauli As Schlotterbeck Eyes New Deal

The Bundesliga is set for a fascinating showdown as Borussia Dortmund welcomes FC St. Pauli to Signal Iduna Park this Saturday, January 17, 2026. With the match scheduled to kick off at 9:30 AM ET (or 9:30 AM EST for viewers across the Atlantic), fans are gearing up for an encounter loaded with storylines, statistics, and plenty of intrigue.

All eyes are not just on the pitch, but also on the future of one of Dortmund’s brightest defensive stars—Nico Schlotterbeck. The 26-year-old center-back, who has already featured in 20 competitive matches this season and chipped in with two goals, is at the heart of contract extension talks that could see him become the highest-paid player in the squad. According to Bild, Dortmund’s efforts to keep Schlotterbeck have intensified, and the club’s commitment is not going unnoticed. The defender, who has attracted interest from top European clubs, appears to have shifted his attitude positively toward staying, making a new deal increasingly likely. As of now, no concrete offers have landed on Dortmund’s desk, giving the club a rare window to secure their defensive linchpin for the long haul.

"The club’s efforts to keep me have not gone unnoticed," Schlotterbeck reportedly expressed, highlighting the mutual respect and ambition fueling negotiations. For Dortmund fans, this is more than just a contract—it’s a statement of intent as the club aims to maintain its competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

While the boardroom negotiations provide plenty of off-field drama, the on-field action is equally compelling. Borussia Dortmund enters this fixture with a formidable record: 32 goals scored in 17 Bundesliga matches, conceding just 15, which is the second-best defensive record in the league. Their +17 goal differential is another testament to their consistency and attacking prowess, placing them fifth in the Bundesliga for goals scored and second in overall goal difference. The Signal Iduna Park faithful will expect nothing less than a dominant display from their side as they look to keep pace with the league’s frontrunners.

But let’s not overlook the visitors. FC St. Pauli, currently 16th in the Bundesliga goal differential table at -14, are desperate for points. The team has struggled to find the net, tallying just 14 goals in 16 games—ranking them 18th in the league for scoring. Defensively, it’s hardly been smoother sailing, with 28 goals conceded over the same span, putting them ninth in the league for goals allowed. After a tough 2-1 loss away to VfL Wolfsburg, where they were narrowly outshot 10 to nine, St. Pauli will be eager to turn their fortunes around against one of Germany’s most storied clubs.

One player to watch on the St. Pauli side is Hauke Wahl. The defender, who has found the net once in the Bundesliga this season, has taken four shots so far, averaging 0.3 per game. While those numbers might not leap off the page, Wahl’s odds to score in this match stand at +3300, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. It’s a long shot, but in football, stranger things have happened—especially when the pressure is on and underdogs have nothing to lose. Wahl’s expected goals (xG) sits at 0.0, closely matching his actual tally, indicating that his scoring this season has come more from opportunism than sustained attacking threat.

For Dortmund, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity while unleashing their high-octane attack. With Schlotterbeck anchoring the backline—assuming he features, given his central role and recent form—the home side will look to control possession and dictate the tempo from the outset. Their ability to outscore opponents by such a significant margin has been a hallmark of their campaign, and with the likes of Julian Brandt and Marco Reus providing creative spark, goals could be on the menu once again.

Broadcast coverage for this clash is extensive, reflecting the high stakes and widespread interest. Fans in the United States can tune in via ESPN+ (Select), while German viewers have the choice of Sky Sport Bundesliga 1 and DAZN. The anticipation is palpable, and online communities are already abuzz with predictions, lineup debates, and, of course, the usual banter. Community guidelines for fan discussions emphasize respect and substantive debate, ensuring that the passion for the game doesn’t spill over into personal attacks or unsportsmanlike conduct. After all, as one community moderator put it, "Keep arguments based on substance and not personal insults." It’s a reminder that, beneath the rivalry, there’s a shared love for the beautiful game.

For FC St. Pauli, the trip to Westfalenstadion (as Signal Iduna Park is also known) represents both a daunting challenge and a golden opportunity. Can they pull off an upset against a Dortmund side riding high on both form and stability? Or will Dortmund’s superior firepower and defensive discipline prove too much for the visitors to handle? The stats suggest a tough road ahead for St. Pauli, but with the Bundesliga’s penchant for upsets, nothing is set in stone.

As the match approaches, both sets of supporters will be watching closely—not just for the result, but for signs of progress, resilience, and perhaps a glimpse of what the future holds for their clubs. For Dortmund, the Schlotterbeck saga is a subplot that could define their defensive identity for years to come. For St. Pauli, every match is a chance to claw their way up the table and defy the odds.

With kickoff imminent, the stage is set for a classic Bundesliga encounter. Whether it’s the roar of the Yellow Wall, the determination of an underdog, or the drama of contract negotiations, this Saturday promises to be anything but routine in Dortmund.

As the action unfolds at Signal Iduna Park, one thing is certain: both teams have everything to play for, and the storylines on and off the pitch will keep fans glued to their screens until the final whistle.