Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool have been tracking Nico Schlotterbeck for several months as Arne Slot targets defensive reinforcements, especially with ongoing uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi landing up at Manchester City. The Reds are understood to have held encouraging discussions with the 26-year-old’s camp, following on from initial contact first reported back in October by DaveOCKOP.
The failure to secure Marc Guehi – who completed a £20 million move to Manchester City on Monday – has left Arne Slot’s squad dangerously thin at the back. The Reds currently operate with just three senior centre-backs as Giovanni Leoni is out until the end of the season. With Ibrahima Konate refusing to commit to a contract extension beyond summer 2026, defensive reinforcements should be the top priority.
The Merseyside giants have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of the 26-year-old centre-back after Bayern Munich dramatically cooled their interest, with Bayern Munich insider Christian Falk confirming that the German giants see a move for the German international as too expensive.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have been working hard to try and keep the defender whose deal expires in 2027. They offered him a new deal toward the end of last year with a significant pay bump, but Schlotterbeck rejected the offer.
Now, according to German outlet BILD, Dortmund are doing even more. It is claimed that the German club has reportedly keen to include a release clause in any further contract extension, valued at approximately €60 million and enforceable from 2027 onward.
However, contract negotiations have stalled over financial demands. Dortmund’s latest proposal offers Schlotterbeck around €14 million per season (approximately £240,000 per week), which would place him alongside Niklas Süle as one of the club’s highest earners. This represents a significant increase from his current wages, yet Schlotterbeck rejected the offer—a move that suggests either competing clubs are offering more lucrative terms or the defender has already decided his future lies elsewhere
For Liverpool, this represents both opportunity and urgency—Schlotterbeck’s refusal to extend puts Dortmund under pressure to sell this summer rather than risk losing him for the reduced €60 million release clause in 2027.
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