Liverpool’s interest in Nico Schlotterbeck remains active despite the Borussia Dortmund defender signing a new contract earlier this year, with the Germany international being considered as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.
The club are expected to prioritise a new centre-back over the next two transfer windows as Van Dijk and Joe Gomez approach the final stages of their current deals.
Nico Schlotterbeck remains on Liverpool’s radar
Schlotterbeck is one of several prominent defenders being monitored by Liverpool. Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona’s Jules Koundé are also understood to be under consideration.
Football Insider reported that Schlotterbeck remains a long-term target, having previously been linked with a move to Anfield last summer.
“Nico Schlotterbeck is a long-term target, the Borussia Dortmund and Germany centre-back who was linked with the move to Liverpool last summer. He signed a new deal but I’m sure is a player who is still on their radar,” Pete O’Rourke said.
The defender’s importance to Dortmund was underlined by head coach Niko Kovač before the club’s latest Bundesliga fixture. Despite dealing with ongoing ankle discomfort, Schlotterbeck was praised for his commitment.
“You can see how important he is to the team, how he gives his all,” Kovač said.
Schlotterbeck’s left-footed profile, aggression in duels and ability to defend high up the pitch make him a strong fit for Liverpool’s needs. He is also regarded as a progressive passer capable of breaking defensive lines, while his age of 26 places him at the beginning of his prime.
Murillo would offer Premier League experience, Bastoni brings tactical quality and Koundé can operate in several defensive positions. Schlotterbeck, however, is viewed as the most natural option to occupy the left side of Liverpool’s central defence in the longer term.
His new Dortmund contract is likely to increase the cost of any potential transfer, although it does not necessarily rule out a move.
Liverpool must also determine Ronald Araujo’s long-term role if his loan becomes permanent. Should he continue to feature primarily at right-back, the case for adding another elite centre-back would become stronger.
