Liverpool are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck as plans to replace skipper Virgil van Dijk takes shape.
Virgil van Dijk is out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season, and a decision over his future is yet to be taken by the club officials. The Netherlands international has established himself among the best defenders in Europe since arriving at Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018. He has been an asset and helped the club win multiple trophies during the Jurgen Klopp era.
Despite well into his 30s, Van Dijk has shown no signs of slowing down and has helped Liverpool to the top of the table after eight games into the new season. The Reds certainly do not want to lose Van Dijk as a free agent in the summer of 2025 and it makes sense for them to agree on an extension with their star defender.
Although the Merseyside outfit appear willing to offer the Dutchman a new deal, they cannot simply wait long for a resolution over his future as he is eligible to speak to foreign clubs from January 1 onward. There is no guarantee that the 33-year-old will accept any fresh terms that Liverpool make.
As a result, the Reds are reportedly readying a bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential replacement for Van Dijk.
Nico Schlotterbeck targeted by Liverpool
Nico Schlotterbeck has been rated very highly in German football. The left-footed defender made his name at SC Freiburg, making 49 Bundesliga appearances across three seasons. He left the club in 2022 to join Dortmund, where the German has grown leaps and bounds and become a key piece in their rearguard.
The 24-year-old helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final in May, although the Bundesliga ending up losing 2-0 to Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium. Schlotterbeck’s eye-catching performances for both club and country have caught the attention of Liverpool, who view him as a top candidate to replace Van Dijk on the long term.
Liverpool are ready to offer around €50 million for the Germany international in a bid to strengthen their backline. However, they could face competition from Newcastle United should they fail to prise Marc Guehi away from Crystal Palace in 2025.
With Schlotterbeck contracted at the Signal Iduna Park until 2027, Dortmund will be unlikely to let their star defender leave on the cheap next summer. So, Liverpool have to be ready to splash big to prise him away from Dortmund.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
