Nico Schlotterbeck of Germany looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Germany and Slovakia at Red Bull Arena on November 17, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)placeholder image
Nico Schlotterbeck of Germany looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Germany and Slovakia at Red Bull Arena on November 17, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool are among the clubs who are reportedly interested in signing Nico Schlotterbeck.
A defender linked with Liverpool has revealed that he's set a deadline before the summer transfer window to make a decision over his future.
The Reds are reportedly interested in signing Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund. Schlotterbeck is a regular starter for BVB and helped the German side reach the Champions League final in 2024. He is also set to be part of Germany's squad for the World Cup later this year.
Schlotterbeck is under contract at Dortmund until 2027. Die Schwarzgelben are trying to tie the 26-year-old down to fresh terms but have been unsuccessful so far. Should he decide on leaving, Dortmund may look to cash in at the end of the season rather than risk losing a prized asset for free the following year.
What’s been said
Along with Liverpool, it is suggested that Barcelona and Real Madrid are keen on signing Schlotterbeck. And he will sit down and opt what's best in the coming months. Speaking after a 3-0 victory over Union Berlin, Schlotterbeck - who scored his side’s second goal - said: “I have set myself a deadline. I will not reveal when that is. But it is definitely before the summer. I feel happy here, it will not be an easy decision. I rely on my gut. I will sit down with dad and [brother and fellow Bundesliga player] Keven and make a decision. I do not know now what it will be.”
On talks with Schlotterbeck, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl recently told BILD: “I think it would be really difficult to come up with new arguments in every conversation.
“Of course, we try to convince him – with all the power this club has, and I believe also with the appreciation the boy feels, with the goals we want to achieve together. We want to show him a perspective that makes sense for him. We don't sit down together every day. These kinds of topics need time to mature.
"He has naturally given this break some thought, and we spoke about it beforehand. We will continue to talk. But otherwise, to be honest, there's no new information at the moment. It's clear that we want to continue. But no decision has been made yet."
Will Liverpool sign Nico Schlotterbeck?
Schlotterbeck is a defender who Liverpool reportedly have their eye on. The centre-back position is going to need attention in the summer transfer window. The Reds opted not to renew their interest in Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City, so Schlotterbeck could become a more serious option.
Liverpool may be planning for life without Konate, who has not committed his future despite talks ongoing. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk’s contract expires in 2027 and he will be aged 36. A potential long-term successor is required for Van Dijk at some point.
Joe Gomez’s deal concludes at the same time as Van Dijk’s and he has been troubled by fitness problems in recent years. Gomez was forced off in the 3-2 loss against Bournemouth.
Giovanni Leoni was signed by the Reds from Parma for £26 million last summer but he is recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
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