As Virgil van Dijk’s contract expires, Liverpool is targeting Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. The towering 6ft 2in German defender, who is currently impressing for both club and country, has emerged as a top priority for the Reds as they prepare for life without van Dijk.
With Van Dijk’s contract set to expire in just over six months, Liverpool are eager to keep their defence robust. The Dutchman can begin negotiations with other teams as early as January, and while Liverpool is willing to offer him a new contract, there is no guarantee he will agree. It’s a tricky scenario for the Reds, especially as fellow stars Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also in contract talks, prompting one expert to call the overall contract issue “worrying.”
Schlotterbeck: The Perfect Fit for Liverpool?
Nico Schlotterbeck’s constant performance for Borussia Dortmund has not gone unnoticed. At 6ft 2in, his physical presence, paired with tactical intelligence, make him an ideal prospect to take van Dijk’s place. According to sources close to the club, Liverpool is willing to offer €50 million for the defender, who earns €7 million each year.
Schlotterbeck’s versatility as a ball-playing centre-back would complement Arne Slot’s approach. His ability to understand the game, combined with his aerial dominance, resembles van Dijk’s style, making him an appealing prospect for the Merseyside club. With Dortmund’s reputation for nurturing top-tier defenders, Schlotterbeck’s arrival might usher in a new era for Liverpool’s backline.
According to CaughtOffside’s Jason Pettigrove, this probable signing is part of Liverpool’s overall goal to strengthen their defensive strength, particularly as the club navigates a period of transition. With van Dijk’s future uncertain, having a top-tier successor available is vital to Slot’s objectives.
Liverpool is looking for a top European defender to replace Virgil van Dijk, according to a journalist.
Newcastle Shows Interest in Schlotterbeck
However, Liverpool may face opposition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s side has also indicated interest in Schlotterbeck, especially if their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi falls through. Financial constraints, combined with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), may limit Newcastle’s ability to match Liverpool’s bid, but their intentions are apparent.
Newcastle’s expanding ambitions in both the Premier League and Europe have put them in direct competition with the traditional ‘big six’ clubs, which include Liverpool. If they can win Schlotterbeck, it will be a big coup for Howe, but Liverpool’s financial muscle and established position may give them an advantage in discussions.
What’s next for Liverpool?
For Arne Slot, the coming months will be essential. After a relatively quiet summer transfer window, the club must act quickly to strengthen its roster, especially if key players such as van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold leave. Schlotterbeck’s probable arrival would underline Liverpool’s intention to preserve their defensive solidity, which has been a key component of their recent success.
With January approaching, Liverpool’s pursuit of Schlotterbeck could pick up pace. If they can get his signature, it will be a significant statement of intent, especially given the club’s current contract issue.
As Pettigrove points out, Liverpool cannot afford to relax on their laurels. “They remain keen on boosting their defensive strength,” and the club’s interest in Schlotterbeck is a clear indication that it is prepared for life beyond van Dijk. The focus now shifts to the talks, where Liverpool must beat off competition to get their man.
Journalist: Liverpool looking for top European defender to replace van Dijk.
Photo: IMAGO.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Liverpool fans’ interest in Nico Schlotterbeck makes perfect sense. Virgil van Dijk has been the cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence since his arrival, and while his abilities remain formidable, it is evident that the team must plan for the future. Schlotterbeck’s age, experience, and style appear to be an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s system, and the €50 million price tag reflects his potential importance to the team.
Losing van Dijk, Salah, or Alexander-Arnold would be a setback, but Liverpool fans are aware that the club has a history of coming back stronger. The signings of players like Alisson and van Dijk in recent seasons have been critical to their success, and the hope is that Schlotterbeck can have a similar impact. Slot’s track record at Feyenoord suggests he understands how to nurture defensive talent, and partnering Schlotterbeck with a well-structured backline might rejuvenate Liverpool’s defensive backbone for years to come.
Nonetheless, the prospective rivalry from Newcastle serves as a reminder that Liverpool cannot afford to get complacent. The Magpies are emerging as legitimate competitors, both financially and on the field. If they sign Schlotterbeck, the power dynamic in English football could move even further. However, Liverpool’s transfer history implies that they have the necessary means to complete this transaction.
Finally, signing Schlotterbeck would not only resolve the van Dijk dilemma, but would also secure Liverpool’s long-term defensive strength, which has been the foundation of their success in previous years.
