Liverpool can take advantage of Borussia Dortmund’s agreement with Nico Schlotterbeck to sign the German as a replacement for Ibrahima Konate.
The news that Konate will leave Liverpool upon the expiry of his contract on 30 June has been met with overwhelming disappointment among online supporters. The Frenchman has been a fan favourite since his move to Anfield in 2021, but will now depart as a free agent.
While Konate did not cover himself in glory in 2025-26, it’s fair to see he has been one of the players most affected by Arne Slot’s underperformance as far as tactics are concerned.
The former RB Leipzig star excels at front foot, aggressive defending but was asked to drop back a lot more this season, leading to situations where it was visibly clear that the 27-year-old was confused as to what the best action would be.
Now, Liverpool must sign his replacement as well as for Jarell Quansah, who was not replaced last summer when he joined Bayer Leverkusen.
? Liverpool are considering a move for Nico Schlotterbeck as they weigh up defensive reinforcements this summer. ?
The Borussia Dortmund centre-back is viewed as a potential option if Ibrahima Konaté confirms his departure, with initial contacts already having taken place and… pic.twitter.com/gTy4RZg06p
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 31, 2026
Liverpool must act quickly or Schlotterbeck release clause will expire
According to a report from German outlet BILD, Liverpool and other big clubs must act before 19 July to trigger the release clause in Schlotterbeck’s Borussia Dortmund contract. The clause is reportedly set somewhere between €50m and €60m (£43m – £52m).
In an interview with BILD, Schlotterbeck refused to commit his future to Dortmund, seemingly to leave the door open to a summer exit.
When asked if he hoped to use the World Cup as showcase for the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, he replied: “What do you mean by ‘showcase’? I play 50 games a year. I think it’s perfectly normal that I always try to play well. I don’t see myself as putting myself on display because of a World Cup.
“Of course, my focus is clearly on the World Cup, and I’m trying to play well for Germany. Therefore, I’m not thinking of playing extra well because of some contract.”
Bild interviewed Nico Schlotterbeck a few days ago, asked if he was going to put in performances to showcase his abilities to others during World Cup, Nico declined to commit to BVB and did not deny the existence of a release clause. Reported €50-60M clause expiring around July… pic.twitter.com/UidrBtgPT7
— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) May 31, 2026
Liverpool would do well to sign Schlotterbeck this summer. Not only because they need to replace Konate and Quansah, but because he is very, very good defender that would improve them.