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.
Schlotterbeck is still hesitating over a new deal at Borussia Dortmund, with his current contract running until the summer of 2027. Despite BVB putting a significantly improved offer on the table worth around €8 million per season until 2030, the Germany international is thought to harbour doubts over the club’s ambitions and their capacity to consistently challenge for top honours.
At 26 and entering what should be his peak years, Schlotterbeck fits the profile of defender Liverpool want to succeed Virgil van Dijk and add real quality alongside any new arrival such as Jeremy Jacquet.
The timing around a possible move now looks particularly interesting after Dortmund’s disastrous Champions League exit to Atalanta. BVB crashed out in the knockout playoff, suffering a heavy second‑leg defeat that has only deepened doubts over the club’s sporting direction and ability to compete for major honours. That early elimination, combined with a poor domestic campaign and a DFB‑Pokal exit, has reportedly left Schlotterbeck questioning whether he can achieve his ambitions in Dortmund colours.
However, Liverpool face a huge problem: Real Madrid. Spanish outlet AS claims Schlotterbeck is now a priority target for Madrid as they plan for life after David Alaba and potentially Antonio Rudiger.
Crucially, the relationship between Madrid and Dortmund is described as exceptionally strong, with the two clubs maintaining close ties at boardroom level and BVB could give Madrid first notice when a top asset like Schlotterbeck could be sold.
That long‑standing “friendship” is viewed in Spain as a key advantage for Los Blancos and could easily tilt any bidding war in their favour, leaving Liverpool needing either a huge financial push or Schlotterbeck himself to insist that Anfield is his preferred destination.
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