Liverpool are “definitely” in the race to sign Germany international Nico Schlotterbeck, according to a new claim from journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Reds’ centre-back issues have been well-documented of late, with even the incomparable Virgil van Dijk falling below his top level at times, as the Premier League champions’ title defence has faltered.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate‘s form has been a cause for concern, and with each passing week, the more it feels more as though a move to Real Madrid next summer is possible.
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke talked up Liverpool’s interest in Borussia Dortmund centre-back Schlotterbeck come the end of the season, with his contract ending in the summer of 2027:
“Liverpool will be definitely in that race to try and sign him and bring him to England if they can. A top player like that, you might be able to get him for a cut-price fee next summer, especially if he’s going into the final year of his contract with Dortmund without any agreement on an extension. They might be able to get him for a lot lower fee than you would normally expect for a current Germany international as well.”
Schlotterbeck a fantastic option for Liverpool
A new centre-back is a must for Liverpool next summer, with Van Dijk not getting any younger, and both Konate and Joe Gomez potentially leaving.
In Schlotterbeck, the Reds have a great option to bring in as a long-term addition, with Germany legend Lothar Matthaus lauding the £53m-rated defender in the past:
“Schlotterbeck has developed superbly at Borussia Dortmund; under Niko Kovac he’s become calmer and more confident. After his long injury break, he’s come back very strong.”
Schlotterbeck has won 23 caps for Germany, and has a good chance of starting for his country at next summer’s World Cup, and he has also completed 91.2% of his passes in the Champions League for Dortmund this season.
He has also averaged 5.5 clearances and 2.2 tackles per game in the Bundesliga, so he is a force both in and out of possession, and Liverpool would be wise to have him near the top of their transfer wishlist.