Liverpool are expected to prioritise a centre-back across the next two transfer windows, and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck remains a leading option despite his new contract. Murillo, Alessandro Bastoni and Jules Koundé are also being monitored as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez approach the end of their deals. According to Caughtoffside.com.
Schlotterbeck’s new Dortmund deal fails to remove him from Liverpool’s list
Football Insider reports that Nico Schlotterbeck remains firmly under consideration at Liverpool, even after he signed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund earlier this year. Pete O’Rourke called the Germany international “a long-term target” who was linked with a move last summer, and said he is sure the interest has not faded.
Liverpool are expected to make a centre-back their priority across the next two windows, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez moving closer to the end of their current contracts. Schlotterbeck is one of several high-level options, alongside Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona’s Jules Koundé.
Of the four names under discussion, Schlotterbeck arguably fits Liverpool’s long-term requirements most closely. He is left-footed, strong in duels, at ease defending high up the pitch and able to break lines with his passing. At 26, he is also reaching his peak years, so he would not need seasons of development.
The alternatives each bring something different. Murillo offers Premier League experience, Bastoni elite tactical quality and Koundé greater versatility, while Liverpool admire Murillo and have tracked Bastoni for some time. Schlotterbeck, though, looks the strongest candidate to fill the left-sided centre-back position over the long term.
The new Dortmund contract makes a transfer significantly more expensive, though not necessarily impossible. Liverpool must also settle what part Ronald Araujo plays long term if his loan becomes permanent. If he continues mainly at right-back, adding another elite centre-back becomes even more logical.
Dortmund’s regard for the player is plain. Ahead of their latest Bundesliga fixture, coach Niko Kovač praised Schlotterbeck’s commitment despite ongoing ankle discomfort, saying “You can see how important he is to the team”. Liverpool, per the report, nonetheless keep him in view.
