Liverpool are prepared to lodge a formal £42 million proposal for Borussia Dortmund’s 25‑year‑old centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, according to Caught Offside.
He’s on their radar as a long‑term answer to Virgil van Dijk—whose contract expires this summer.
Schlotterbeck graduated through Freiburg’s academy, broke into their senior side in 2019, and after a Union Berlin loan, earned a move to Dortmund in 2022. Since then, he’s become indispensable and helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final last season.
Liverpool admire his left‑footed passing, aerial threat, and composure from the back. At 6 ft 3inch, he dominates set‑pieces and reads danger ahead of time—though his lack of recovery pace suits a deep block, not a pressing system.
But Dortmund refuse to sell. They’re readying a new long‑term contract until 2027 and intend to double his salary, positioning him as a future cornerstone as reported by Football Talk | Premier League News.
Liverpool won’t pause. If Schlotterbeck slips through their grasp, they’re eyeing alternatives—Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are next in line.
And with agent whispers of interest from Newcastle, the competition grows.
This isn’t just a summer transfer: it’s Liverpool mapping their future spine. Schlotterbeck brings promise. But timing is everything.
If Van Dijk walks, the Reds must act fast. If they hesitate, the German could slip through their fingers.
Pace, precision, and planning: Liverpool need all three.