Liverpool have now reportedly made contact with an “outstanding” player over a move to Anfield in 2026, with the individual in question potentially costing £50m.
Arne Slot picked up a massive victory on Tuesday, with his Reds side battling their way to a 1-0 win at Inter Milan, and the Dutchman was clearly pleased after the game:
“All I could ask for, I think. The fourth game in 10 days, that’s not what you see a lot in football. Three in seven is already a lot, let alone four in 10. With only 13 outfield players available with Premier League or Champions League experience.
“After the blow we had conceding the 3-3 in extra time against Leeds, where we deserved so much more. Then to go into this stadium against such a strong Inter Milan team, you couldn’t have asked for more if you look at our performance.”
Now, according to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made contact with Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck over a move to the club.
The Germany international is valued at £50m by his current club, whereas Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano will be available on free transfers at the end of this season, assuming they don’t sign new contracts at Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich, respectively.
Can Schlotterbeck be Van Dijk’s natural heir at Liverpool?
Schlotterbeck is a highly impressive centre-back, possessing quality on the ball and defensive ability, completing 92.5% of his passes in the Champions League this season, and 1.8 tackles per game in the competition.
For that reason, the 26-year-old looks like a great option for Liverpool, with Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann hailing him as an “outstanding” player, no doubt considering him a potential key starter for his country at next summer’s World Cup.
At some point, the Reds must find the natural heir to Virgil van Dijk at the heart of their defence, even though the captain will hopefully remain at Anfield for the foreseeable future, and Schlotterbeck could be that man.
Granted, following in the footsteps of one of the greatest centre-backs of all time will be an almost impossible task, but the Dortmund ace is at an ideal point in his career to come in next year and be an instant hit.