Liverpool have entered the race to sign Nico Schlotterbeck and examine the Borussia Dortmund star as a possible long-term substitute for Virgil van Dijk, based on reports in Germany.
Schlotterbeck has established himself as probably the most sought-after and highly regarded defenders in German football since swapping SC Freiburg for Dortmund in 2022.
The 25-year-old can also be an everyday at international level under Julian Nagelsmann and appears a shoo-in for Germany’s World Cup squad, should they qualify for next yr’s tournament in North America.
But while Schlotterbeck continues to impress for each club and country, there may be growing uncertainty and speculation over the centre-back’s situation off the pitch, with Europe’s elite starting to circle.
German newspaper Bild write that Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City are all firmly in the image while Schlotterbeck stalls over a possible contract extension at Dortmund.
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Schlotterbeck is keen to compete for major titles on a consistent basis and is alleged to be ‘gambling on the interest’ of top clubs having, up to now, did not win any silverware with BVB.
The report suggests Liverpool are the most recent team to ‘join the poker’ and it’s becoming ‘increasingly difficult’ to assume Dortmund keeping hold of the centre-half beyond the top of the season.
Liverpool are preparing for all times without Ibrahima Konate, who will likely be available on a free transfer when his contract involves an end next summer.
Nevertheless it’s claimed the reigning Premier League champions view Schlotterbeck as a ‘long-term successor’ to club captain Virgil van Dijk, whose deal expires in 2027.
Giovanni Leoni’s devastating knee injury – which could keep the young Italian sidelined for as much as a yr – means Liverpool could even explore a bid for Schlotterbeck within the January transfer window.
Nonetheless, Dortmund’s hierarchy are said to have categorically ruled out a move for Schlotterbeck midway through the season.
Schlotterbeck’s current deal runs through to June 2027 and BVB have been pushing to secure the services of the Germany international for an extra three years, until 2030.
Speaking ahead of Dortmund’s recent Champions League clash with Athletic Bilbao, though, Schlotterbeck said: ‘It won’t be any time soon that I’ll extend my contract!’
BVB sporting director Lars Ricken, meanwhile, underlined that the club would ‘respect’ whatever Schlotterbeck had planned for his future.
‘It’s his absolute right to plan his future fastidiously. We respect that,’ Ricken told Bild.
‘I imagine that the main focus isn’t on salary, but on perspective, trust, and conviction.
‘We won’t rush into this. But in fact, we don’t need to drag it out indefinitely. Everyone seems to be aware of that.’
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