Rumours linking Liverpool with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck have been blown a bit out of proportion, despite the noise in recent reports. Transfer expert Florian Plettenberg suggested via his official X account that the Reds definitely like the 25-year-old German defender and see him as a possible long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, but sources close to the club insist to Softfootball that there are no serious plans to move for him, at least not in the next two transfer windows.
He posted:
Rumours linking Liverpool with Nico Schlotterbeck are wide of the mark. There are no concrete plans regarding a #LFC move for Schlotterbeck in the next two windows. Borussia Dortmund want to extend beyond 2027. FC Bayern interested. Top defender.
Liverpool’s supposed interest looks more like routine scouting than any real pursuit. The club is believed to be assessing defensive options due to Giovanni Leoni’s long-term injury and the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s contract, which expires in 2026. Even so, sporting director Richard Hughes has his focus elsewhere, with names like Castello Lukeba and Marc Guehi higher on the priority list.
On Dortmund’s side, the stance is firm: they want Schlotterbeck to stay. Talks are ongoing over a contract extension until 2030, which would come with a healthy pay rise. The club’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, has reportedly made it clear that while they respect Schlotterbeck’s hesitation, they won’t allow discussions to drag on forever.
Since returning from injury after that chaotic 4-4 draw against Juventus, the German international, who already has 22 caps, continues to attract attention from across Europe. Bayern Munich are said to be watching closely and could make a move if Dayot Upamecano’s renewal doesn’t materialise. The Bavarians see Schlotterbeck as a natural fit alongside Jonathan Tah, a partnership that has already flourished for Germany.
For now, though, the defender’s immediate future remains tied to Dortmund. With his current deal running until 2027, the coming year could determine whether he commits long-term or becomes one of next summer’s transfer sagas.
