Liverpool have reportedly held positive talks with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as they accelerate their search for a new centre-back following Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury. However, Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the Germany international, meaning the Reds could face stiff competition in the upcoming January transfer window.
Liverpool open talks for Schlotterbeck
Liverpool’s recruitment team have opened early discussions with representatives of Schlotterbeck, according to . The 25-year-old has become a leading target for Arne Slot, who wants additional defensive depth after Leoni’s serious knee injury ruled him out for the campaign. Early discussions have been described as "positive", suggesting genuine interest from the Merseyside club.
Schlotterbeck, who joined Dortmund from Freiburg in 2023 for around €30 million (£26m/$35m), has since established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s standout defenders. His consistent form has caught the attention of several European giants, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, both of whom are reportedly tracking his progress closely. When questioned about Bayern's interest in him on international duty this week, Schlotterbeck remained tight-lipped and said: "I can’t really say anything about that.”
Liverpool’s early approach is seen as an attempt to move ahead of their rivals before the January market opens. For the Reds, timing is critical. The club missed out on signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace late in the summer window, and with the England international now attracting attention from other elite clubs, that failure is proving increasingly costly. As a result, Liverpool’s recruitment team are ensuring alternative options like Schlotterbeck and Dayot Upamecano remain firmly under consideration.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlot's Liverpool one injury away from defensive crisis
Liverpool’s defensive situation has shifted dramatically since the summer. What looked like a well-balanced squad after the high-profile arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak now appears one injury short of a crisis following Leoni’s setback. Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have been assessing options since, keen to maintain squad depth across all competitions.
Guehi’s situation has complicated matters further. His current deal at Crystal Palace expires next summer, and while Liverpool were optimistic of signing him on a free, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have seemingly already opened talks with his representatives. That competition has forced the Reds to accelerate plans for an alternative left-footed defender to complement Virgil van Dijk and potentially replace Ibrahima Konate amid uncertainty over his future.
In that context, Schlotterbeck fits Liverpool’s recruitment profile perfectly. He’s left-footed, composed in possession, and experienced at both club and international level, earning over 20 caps for Germany since his debut in 2024. At 25, he offers both immediate quality and long-term potential – precisely the kind of signing the club’s data-driven approach tends to favour.
Dortmund not keen on losing Schlotterbeck
Schlotterbeck has become a vital figure at Borussia Dortmund since joining from Freiburg, making over 100 appearances and emerging as a leader at the back for the club. His reading of the game, aerial dominance and comfort in possession make him one of Europe’s most well-rounded defenders. Those qualities explain why Dortmund are eager to tie him down to a new contract, reportedly worth up to €9 million per season, including bonuses.
claim talks between Dortmund and the player’s representatives have begun, though nothing is yet agreed. Schlotterbeck’s current deal runs until June 2027, but the club are wary of growing foreign interest. Liverpool’s conversations with intermediaries have been described as "constructive", suggesting their intent extends beyond mere scouting.
Schlotterbeck’s ball-playing ability aligns with Slot’s high-pressing, progressive style, offering a natural fit for a side that often controls possession deep into opposition territory.
Getty ImagesLiverpool still have multiple names on shortlist
Liverpool are expected to finalise their shortlist of defensive targets in the coming weeks, with Schlotterbeck among the top candidates. The Reds are also continuing to monitor Guehi’s situation at Crystal Palace, but with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid circling, their chances of landing him could be under threat. As such, attention could quickly shift toward a formal approach for the Dortmund star.
The January transfer window promises to be a busy one for the Merseyside club. Leoni’s absence has accelerated the need for defensive reinforcements, and Slot will want any new arrival to be integrated well before the Champions League knockout rounds begin. Whether it’s Schlotterbeck, Guehi, or another emerging name, Liverpool appear determined not to be caught short again in a crucial position.