Liverpool’s failure to properly reinforce their squad in the summer of 2024 has come back to haunt them.
As the season has progressed, Arne Slot has felt the effects of limited squad depth, particularly in key areas such as defence.
With the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold still uncertain, the upcoming transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most critical in recent history for the Reds.
One area of major concern is the centre-back position. Liverpool will need to plan for life beyond van Dijk if he chooses to move on, and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as a prime target.
However, fresh reports suggest that securing the German defender’s signature will not be straightforward.
Dortmund ready to fight off Liverpool interest
According to BILD, via Paisley Gates, Borussia Dortmund are preparing a contract extension for Schlotterbeck, aiming to keep him at the club beyond 2027.
The proposal is expected to include a significant salary increase and even the offer of the captain’s armband, a strong indication of how highly the club values him.
Schlotterbeck, who currently earns €5 million per season, is set to be offered a deal that would double his wages.
With his market value estimated at £33.5m, the Bundesliga side is determined to fend off interest from a host of European giants, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Newcastle United—making Liverpool’s pursuit even more challenging.
Why Liverpool want Schlotterbeck
The 25-year-old is viewed as an ideal long-term defensive anchor for Liverpool. Strong in the air, composed on the ball, and aggressive in duels, Schlotterbeck possesses the qualities necessary to thrive in Slot’s system.
His ability to play out from the back, combined with his defensive awareness, makes him a natural fit for the Premier League.
If Liverpool are to secure his signature, they may need to act fast and present a compelling project to lure him away from Dortmund.
While the Bundesliga club is doing everything possible to retain him, the allure of playing in England’s top flight, particularly under Slot’s ambitious rebuild, could still be tempting.
The battle for Schlotterbeck’s signature
As Dortmund move to secure Schlotterbeck’s long-term future, Liverpool must decide how aggressively they want to pursue the defender.
With the uncertainty surrounding van Dijk’s contract situation, the need for a high-quality centre-back is evident.
Should the Reds fail to land Schlotterbeck, alternative targets will need to be identified quickly.
Given the level of competition for the German’s signature, Liverpool will have to move strategically if they want to beat out some of Europe’s biggest clubs for his services.