Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund could engage in a major swap deal in January.placeholder image
Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund could engage in a major swap deal in January. | Getty Images
This Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund swap deal would be major news in January
The problems at Liverpool are far from over as we reach the November international break, with the Reds having lost six matches in their last nine in all competitions despite boasting one of the most expensively-assembled squads in world football.
This international break will come as a welcome reset period for Arne Slot, who is yet to work out what his best side is amidst settling issues for multiple of his marquee new signings.
An important winter period lies ahead as the Reds look to retain what is left of their title challenge, ahead of what could be a busy January transfer window up and down the country.
The reigning champions have been linked with a top defensive target in recent days, while another complicated situation might need resolving during the window - and both problems could be solved by the Reds in one go.
Liverpool linked with Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck
According to reports coming out of Germany, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck might be set to leave the club as he is believed to be unhappy with the club’s direction under head coach Nico Kovac.
A contract extension beyond 2027 for the 25-year-old is said to be ‘in doubt’, which could alert top European clubs such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich. The Reds have previously been linked with the Germany international and could view him as the ideal resolution for their defensive problems, amidst the struggles of contract rebel Ibrahima Konate.
Schlotterbeck has previously rejected a new contract with Dortmund and was recently critical of the style of play under Kovac after a 1-1 draw with Hamburg. If he demands a move away from the Bundesliga giants, Die Schwarzgelben (The Black and Yellows) might be forced to part with their star defender to avoid him walking away for nothing in two years’ time. A price tag of €40m - €50m (£35m - £44m) has been cited.
Schlotterbeck and Harvey Elliott swap deal could be massive for both clubs
This might seem unorthodox at present, given Harvey Elliott is on loan at Aston Villa, but hear us out. The 22-year-old England youth international is hardly getting a game at Villa Park at present, amidst speculation that he may not play for Unai Emery’s side ever again as they aim to avoid paying a £35 million permanent fee for the attacking midfielder, whom they signed on an initial loan deal on deadline day.
If there is any chance of that being the case, Liverpool must get him out of there as quickly as possible with a January recall - and if he does arrive back at Anfield, a move to Dortmund could be the perfect one for his career.
Young English players have been known to thrive in Germany - Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, Jamie Gittens and Carney Chukwuemeka have all starred for Dortmund alone - and the opportunity for someone like Elliott to increase his profile playing in the Champions League could be a great help to his England chances. Several players from Lee Carsley’s victorious Under-21 side from last summer have already been called up to the senior squad, and Player of the Tournament Elliott will not want to be left behind.
Meanwhile Dortmund will welcome another young English talent with open arms - particularly amidst rumours that attacking midfielder Julian Brandt could depart the club, with his contract up in summer 2026.
As for Liverpool, the signing of Schlotterbeck would be huge news. The left-footer could fill in across multiple positions in the back four, while offering Virgil van Dijk the chance to form a new centre-back partnership. It would also give the Reds significant reassurance to know that the future development of Elliott is secure after a tough few months, certainly killing two birds with one stone. With both players valued at a similar amount, could a straight swap between Liverpool and Dortmund be on the cards?
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