Liverpool could still secure a deal for Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, even after the player signed a new contract with the Bundesliga club. The Reds, along with several other clubs, have long been linked with the highly-rated centre-half.
The German international had previously appeared to be a bargain, with his contract entering its final 12 months and a reported price tag of under £30 million. However, the situation changed when he committed his long-term future to the Signal Iduna Park in April, signing a deal that runs until 2031.
Interested parties should not give up hope, though, as the new contract includes a release clause that allows him to leave for approximately £52 million. According to German publication Kicker, that sum may be enough to secure his services.
Arne Slot's squad has struggled this season, with an inconsistent and injury-hit defence contributing to their problems. Summer signing Giovanni Leoni showed promise on his Liverpool debut against Southampton in the League Cup before a cruel ACL injury ended his season prematurely. Ibrahima Konate's future is uncertain, with the Frenchman yet to sign a new contract. Experienced defender Joe Gomez may leave this summer, and club captain Virgil van Dijk, while still performing well, will turn 35 at the start of next season.
Liverpool also missed out on Marc Guehi in January after a summer move for the now-Manchester City centre-back collapsed on deadline day. A transfer has been arranged for 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet to join from Rennes before the 2026/27 campaign, but further defensive reinforcements are needed.
Schlotterbeck, a left-footed defender, is one of the most versatile defenders in Europe and is known for his composure on the ball. At 6'3", he is a commanding presence. According to FotMob, the 26-year-old has won 62% of his duels in the Bundesliga this season, with a 62.9% aerial duel success rate. His passing accuracy stands at 88.3%, and he has recorded 142 ball recoveries.
Liverpool legend Didi Hamann believes Schlotterbeck could be Van Dijk's long-term replacement. Speaking in October 2025, the former midfielder said: "He's a natural leader.... You don't know how long Virgil van Dijk is going to be there. The perfect situation would be to bring somebody in who maybe plays with Van Dijk for one or two years and then takes over Van Dijk's role. I think he'd be a great signing for Liverpool, and a lot of other teams as well."
While Liverpool could explore a move with a substantial offer, Schlotterbeck admitted in late 2025 that he dreams of winning trophies in the Bundesliga. He finished as runner-up with former club Freiburg in the German Cup in 2022 and with Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final. He said: "I have the goal of winning a championship in Germany. We have been close. The Champions League is very difficult to win – we were close there too. In the DFB-Pokal, I was close as well. As a professional footballer, I've only won the U21 European Championship. Now I want to actually hold something in my hands."
German football great Lothar Matthaus insists that despite the new contract, the centre-back remains available. Speaking to Sky Germany, Matthaus said: "It was always about him wanting to take the next step. On the other hand, he's also committed to Borussia Dortmund. But if Real Madrid comes calling, you want to keep a door open, at least a small crack you can walk through. If fans now say, 'Oh, then he's not fully committed anymore' – that's not true. His heart will be in Dortmund. But he wants to keep that door open."
