Liverpool want to sign a centre-back in 2026, having narrowly missed out on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with a move to Anfield
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on December 14, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Liverpool face competition for Marc Guehi(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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Bayern Munich are no longer expected to target Nico Schlotterbeck in a boost to Liverpool's chances of signing him. Schlotterbeck, 26, has been linked with both clubs as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid amid his uncertain future at Borussia Dortmund.
The defender has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Dortmund and talks over an extension have yet to reach a conclusion, opening the door for a sale in 2026. Schlotterbeck's age and the fact he's left-footed makes him an exciting option for clubs who are looking for a centre-back.
Liverpool are one of those, especially with Ibrahima Konate's deal expiring in June. The Reds infamously came close to signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day back in September. A £35million fee was agreed, only for Palace to pull out at the eleventh hour and leave Liverpool frustrated.
Guehi, 25, has continued to impress for Palace and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him end up at Anfield when, like Konate, his contract expires this summer. But with Manchester City now understood to be considering a January move for the England international amid their defensive injury crisis, Liverpool are being forced to look at alternatives.
Fortunately for Arne Slot's side, there's one less competitor in the race for Schlotterbeck. That's because Bayern have agreed a deal with Dayot Upamecano to extend his stay in Munich. Talks have been ongoing throughout season and it was speculated that if the Frenchman rejected a new contract, the Bundesliga champions would target Schlotterbeck.
Now, though, Bild report that Upamecano is on the verge of signing a new deal to prolong career at Bayern. The final details are being clarified, with the 27-year-old set to put pen to paper before the January transfer window closes.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - DECEMBER 07: Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund looks on during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG Hoffenheim at Signal Iduna Park on December 07, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with Liverpool
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As for Schlotterbeck's contract situation, Dortmund are said to be preparing a huge offer in a desperate attempt to keep him. "We're discussing a long-term contract. We're in good dialogue, but of course he wants to make this decision carefully," their managing director for sport and club legend Lars Ricken told DAZN last month.
"We know what he needs. He also knows what he has with this club. And you could see that in his reaction. No player who's done with a club reacts like that. That emotion shows his identification with the team. We won't give a status update now - these conversations are far too confidential for that.
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