Nico Schlotterbeck to Liverpool takes new twist with talks ‘opening’
Liverpool have been mooted with an interest in Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck as they aim to add to their defensive ranks soon.
Liverpool‘s strong start to the new season was undermined by a poor run of form prior to the international break that saw them slip from top spot to second in the Premier League.
Arne Slot‘s side have lost their last three games, all by a one-goal margin, to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea, and doubts have since been raised around their flimsy defensive structure and the chances of them retaining their top-flight crown.
They tried to bolster their defence in the summer by signing Marc Guehi, but that move failed, and Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano was linked to Liverpool last month as reports claimed that they are instead lining up a move for him next summer when his contract expires.
Another Bundesliga defender in Nico Schlotterbeck has also been linked to Liverpool, with Man City and Chelsea also believed to be interested the Dortmund man’s services, and now a new update has emerged on whether they are planning to try and sign him soon.
Liverpool have no plans to sign Schlotterbeck as Dortmund plan new contract
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 6 October that Chelsea were lining up a move for Schlotterbeck, whose contract expires in 2027.
The Blues could well be in pole position for his signature now, with Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg stating, via X, that rumours linking Liverpool with Schlotterbeck are wide of the mark.
The Reds are not believed to be planning a move for the Germany international in either of the next two windows, while Dortmund want to extend his contract beyond 2027 with talks to open soon.
Dayot Upamecano a better option for Liverpool than Schlotterbeck
Bayern Munich are also interested in Schlotterbeck as they aim to raid their fierce German rivals, and the fact they are in the race for his services could point to one of their main defenders in Upamecano being on his way out.
Football Insider recently revealed that Liverpool are confident of landing Upamecano next summer ahead of other interested sides when his Bayern contract expires, and it is clear why they are prioritising him over Schlotterbeck.
The 26-year-old has helped Bayern win three titles in the last four years and his outstanding showings last term saw him named in the Bundesliga’s Team of the Season, while Schlotterbeck has impressed in years gone by but is yet to win a major career honour.
Recent reports have since stated that Upamecano has agreed to the first stage of a new Bayern deal, and so it does seem like a matter of time until he is tied down past 2026.
That should only make Liverpool more determined to convince him of a move to Anfield, however, and they need to act fast to agree a move to sign him in the January window.