Barcelona have been linked with a Liverpool target and it's not Marc Guehi.placeholder image
Barcelona have been linked with a Liverpool target and it's not Marc Guehi. | Getty Images
The winter transfer window is set to open across Europe in just over a fortnight’s time
The January transfer window offers clubs the opportunity to inject the fresh legs and energy necessary to push for their goals for the campaign in the run-in, with Liverpool linked with as many top-level players as anyone ahead of the opening of the window.
Arne Slot’s side have turned their form around somewhat in recent matches, going five unbeaten in all competitions and winning three of those. While that is far from the record which saw the Dutchman win the Premier League in his first season at the club, it is a step in the right direction.
There is no doubt that the defence is an area which might need to be improved if the Reds are to reach that next level. Marc Guehi is in high demand and has often been linked with a move to Anfield, while another Liverpool target is now reportedly an option for Barcelona.
Barcelona in race for Liverpool target Nico Schlotterbeck
Reported by ESPN, Barcelona are considering a move for Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck after making the signing of a left-sided centre-back a ‘priority for next summer’.
Barca have struggled to find a consistent pairing at the back this season amongst options such as Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, Eric García and Andreas Christensen, with the latter also out of contract in summer 2026. Araújo has taken a mental health break from the side in recent weeks while García has been playing in midfield, giving Hansi Flick even fewer options to choose from.
The Catalan giants have ‘positive reports’ about Germany colossus Schlotterbeck, who could leave on a reduced price next summer with his contract at Dortmund running out in 2027. Barca are also targeting Aston Villa defender Pau Torres as an alternative, as per the report.
Schlotterbeck hints at Dortmund unease ahead of transfer links
He recently spoke in an explosive post-match interview after Die Borussen threw away a lead at home to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League and were forced to settle for a shock 2-2 draw against the Norwegian minnows.
"After the 1-0, we started playing extremely sloppy and having incredibly bad first touches," Schlotterbeck said. "Everyone plays their own game a little bit. It is not bitter, it is actually really bad.
"The players who come on lose every ball," he stated. "If you come on in the 60th minute, I expect 30 minutes of full steam. We combined a bit right and left, chipping in front of the goalkeeper and wanting to make it look nice, but you have to kill the game and we didn't do that.
"After the 2-2 we didn't have any more chances to score, we played unbelievably unclean in the last quarter of an hour. In the last five minutes Bodø had more possession and that cannot be our standard."
Continue Reading