Liverpool transfer news as Newcastle is reportedly eyeing up some revenge on the Reds after Victor Munoz's signing, while Nico Schlotterbeck isn't looking at a move to Anfield
05:00, 21 Jun 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Nico Schlotterbeck #15 of Germany celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Nico Schlotterbeck has reportedly handed Liverpool a transfer blow(Image: Getty Images)
With the World Cup in full flow, Liverpool will be keeping an eye on a few different players across the tournament as it weighs up some more transfer business.
The Reds have already completed the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era, with Victor Munoz joining from Osasuna once his involvement at the World Cup is over - and he’s not the only star at the tournament who could be heading to Anfield.
Liverpool is stepping up its pursuit for Yan Diomande, having made it clear to RB Leipzig it is willing to do a deal at around $115 million (€100 million). Meanwhile, the Reds are said to be keeping a close eye on Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Australia’s Lucas Herrington, but another potential target may have just handed them a blow.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
Nico Schlotterbeck prefers a move to Real Madrid over Liverpool this summer, according to Spanish outlet El Debate.
The Borussia Dortmund signed a new contract with the German club earlier this year, although a release clause has been included which would allow Schlotterbeck to leave the club for a fee between $58M and $70M.
While Schlotterbeck has been linked with Liverpool for some time, this latest report claims he wants a move to the Bernabeu. Whether he will get his wish remains to be seen, with Ibrahima Konate having completed his own move to Real, while Antonio Rudiger has signed a contract extension.
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Liverpool.com says: Even with Jeremy Jacquet arriving soon, Liverpool should definitely be looking at signing another center-back. Going into the new season with two young defenders and an injury prone Joe Gomez feels like too big a risk.
Schlotterbeck would be a great option as a more experienced defender compared to Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, and you'd have to wonder whether he would actually get a move to Real now. Perhaps he could be tempted by Liverpool.
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
Newcastle could be eyeing up revenge after Liverpool hijacked its move for Victor Munoz, with Caught Offside claiming that Cody Gakpo has been listed as a possible alternative.
Tottenham has also been linked with the Netherlands international, although it's suggested that Newcastle has been "hovering" and could now accelerate its interest after missing out on Munoz.
MUNICH, GERMANY - JULY 02: Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands speaks to the media in a post match press conference after the team's victory in the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Romania and Netherlands at Munich Football Arena on July 02, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo is being linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer(Image: Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
The Magpies are also said to have Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in mind, with talks already said to have taken place with Arsenal.
Liverpool.com says: It does feel like Liverpool might have a decision to make on Gakpo's future after signing Munoz, although as disappointing as he might have been last season, offloading him now might be a little hasty.
Liverpool is going to need some cover for Alexander Isak while Hugo Ekitike is out injured, and Gakpo would offer that, even if he is now dropping down the pecking order on the left.