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Liverpool will likely remain focused on strengthening their backline if they decide to make any moves during the January transfer window, with the club’s defensive concerns having become increasingly apparent over recent months.
Among the names being tracked, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is a genuine target
DaveOCKOP brought you exclusive news that Liverpool are keen on the Borussia Dortmund defender.
Discussion continues to intensify regarding Liverpool’s urgent need for defensive reinforcements after Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury.
With the young centre-back now ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, speculation is growing over whether the club will move to bolster their options at the back in response to this blow.
We exclusively reported on Saturday that the Anfield club had held preliminary discussions with the agents of the player as well.
The German international, now 25, has established himself as one of Europe’s finest left-sided centre-backs since joining Dortmund in 2022.
Reports from BILD suggest Schlotterbeck will not sign a new deal at Signal Iduna Park, despite being offered a contract extension until 2030 worth €8 million per year.
But it seems competition is emerging from Spain.
Mundo Deportivo has reported that Barcelona have made signing a left-footed centre-back a priority following Iñigo Martínez’s departure, and manager Hansi Flick is keen on Schlotterbeck.
Crucially, Flick knows the defender well — having given him his Germany debut during his time as national team coach.
Barcelona view Schlotterbeck as a perfect fit for Flick’s high defensive line and pressing system, with the report suggesting the Blaugrana are prepared to offer around €40 million.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl was quizzed on the Schlotterbeck speculation last month:
“We are trying to create and deliver conditions that offer Schlotti an attractive environment,” he said.
“Ultimately, he wants to be successful and compete for titles, which is what we all want. We also want to meet his financial expectations.”
The Dortmund chief added that the club “means a lot” to Schlotterbeck:
“We hope that he’ll make a positive decision [from our perspective],” Kehl explained. “If not, we’ll prepare ourselves accordingly. I remain optimistic because this club means a lot to him.”
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