Nico Schlotterbeck has been heavily linked with Liverpool and Barcelona as well, with the latter lead the race to sign him. According to a report by [TEAMtalk](https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/rival-liverpool-classy-bundesliga-star-contract-uncertainty-sparks-transfer-battle), the German defender is valued at around €40-50 million. It will be interesting to see which of his prospective suitors can manage to get the deal done.
Manchester United and Liverpool will [face stiff competition from La Liga champions Barcelona](https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/03/20/borussia-dortmund-keen-on-keeping-nico-schlotterbeck-amid-arsenal-liverpool-barcelona-real-madrid-links/); the reigning La Liga champions are currently leading the race to sign the Borussia Dortmund defender, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
The 25-year-old defender will be a free agent at the end of the season, and whoever ends up signing him could have a major bargain on their hands. Nico Schlotterbeck has proven himself in Germany regularly, and there is no doubt that he has the quality to thrive in England and Spain as well.
Liverpool and Manchester United could use Schlotterbeck
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Liverpool need more quality and depth in their defensive unit. Ibrahima Konate will be a free agent at the end of the season amid stalling contract talks. Nico Schlotterbeck could be the ideal acquisition. On the other hand, Manchester United need a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire. It will be interesting to see if they can convince the German defender to join them.
The two Premier League clubs will be able to sign the player for around €40-50 million in January, or they could wait until the summer transfer window and sign him for free. It will be interesting to see if they can secure a pre-contract agreement with the player in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Barcelona need more depth and quality in the side as well. The _Blaugrana_ are going through financial difficulties, and they cannot afford to pay substantial amounts of money on new signings. They cannot afford to miss out on these bargain opportunities.
Barcelona will be hoping to secure a pre-contract agreement with the German defender and sign him for free at the end of the season. The reigning La Liga champions are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to join them can be hard to turn down.