Liverpool’s defensive rebuild under Arne Slot could take a major turn, as reports from Spain claim the Reds have now held positive talks to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The German centre-back has quietly grown into one of the most consistent defenders in Europe, and it seems Liverpool are now ready to test Dortmund’s resolve as they prepare for a possible summer overhaul at the back.
The story, first reported by Fichajes, reveals that Liverpool’s representatives have already initiated contact with Schlotterbeck’s camp, and early talks have been described as “positive.” The club are reportedly ready to spend around £44 million to bring the 25-year-old German international to Anfield next year. This move comes as part of Liverpool’s plan to strengthen their defence, especially after the departure of young defender Jarell Quansah last summer and the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future.
Liverpool’s defensive line has been a mix of experience and youth this season, but injuries and contract situations have forced Arne Slot to start looking for reinforcements. The club signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma last summer in an attempt to freshen up the backline, but the Italian defender’s campaign was cruelly cut short after he suffered a serious knee injury that ruled him out for the season. It was a blow that left Liverpool short on options, with only Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Konate available as senior centre-backs.
Konate’s situation, in particular, has worried the club. His current deal runs out at the end of the season, and there has been no progress in renewal talks so far. The French defender has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, and while he remains a quality player, Liverpool’s management have started to consider alternatives in case he decides to leave on a free transfer next summer.
That’s where Schlotterbeck enters the picture. The Dortmund defender has long been admired across Europe for his calmness on the ball, his intelligence in reading the game, and his ability to play out from the back—qualities that align perfectly with Slot’s philosophy of building from deep and maintaining composure under pressure. At 6ft 3in tall, Schlotterbeck also offers the physical dominance needed in the Premier League, while his comfort as a left-footed player adds a balance that Liverpool have lacked in recent seasons.
It’s not just Liverpool showing interest, though. Both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for the German international. Bayern see Schlotterbeck as a potential long-term partner to Matthijs de Ligt in central defence, while Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him as they continue to refresh their squad with younger talent. Still, reports claim that Liverpool are currently the “favourites” to sign him, having already made progress in talks with his representatives.
Schlotterbeck’s current contract with Borussia Dortmund runs until 2027, but despite the club’s efforts to tie him down with an improved deal, he is said to have rejected their latest offer. The reason is simple: he wants a new challenge. After several strong seasons in the Bundesliga, the German feels it’s time to test himself in another league—and the Premier League has always been a destination that excites him.
Sources close to the player have revealed that he admires the intensity and competitiveness of English football, and Liverpool’s reputation as one of Europe’s most historic and passionate clubs could be a major pull. The idea of playing under Arne Slot, whose tactical system encourages defenders to take risks and contribute to attacking play, is another appealing factor for the player.
For Liverpool, this transfer would make perfect sense on multiple levels. Schlotterbeck’s profile fits the kind of modern defender they’ve been searching for—strong, composed, and comfortable in possession. He’s also entering the prime years of his career, and with Van Dijk now in his thirties, the club are clearly thinking long-term. Replacing a player of Van Dijk’s influence will never be easy, but Slot wants to build a defensive unit that can carry Liverpool into a new era without losing the composure and leadership that have defined them for years.
If the deal goes through, Schlotterbeck would become only the second German defender to wear Liverpool red in recent memory, following in the footsteps of Ragnar Klavan. But this move would be on a completely different level—Liverpool are not just looking for a squad player; they’re looking for a new leader in defence.
Dortmund’s position is also clear: if they fail to reach an agreement with Schlotterbeck over a contract extension in the coming months, they will have no choice but to sell him next summer to avoid losing him for free later. Given his value and current market status, £44 million could be enough to get the deal done, especially with the player’s willingness to move.
Arne Slot has made it clear since arriving at Anfield that he wants a squad built on balance and control. His style of play relies heavily on defenders who can build from the back and maintain possession under pressure. That’s one reason why Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, have been focused on finding defenders who combine technical ability with tactical discipline. Schlotterbeck, who has consistently demonstrated those traits both for Dortmund and for the German national team, seems tailor-made for Slot’s vision.
In recent years, Liverpool’s defensive recruitment has been hit and miss. The signing of Ibrahima Konate looked like a long-term success, but his injury record and uncertain future have forced a rethink. Joe Gomez has been reliable when called upon, but his versatility has often seen him shifted between right-back and centre-back roles. Leoni’s injury means the club can’t rely on him yet, and with Van Dijk getting older, the Reds cannot afford to enter another season without a solid and fit left-footed centre-back option.
Schlotterbeck could be the missing piece. His performances for Dortmund have shown a player who’s not only defensively secure but also technically capable of starting attacks. He ranks highly in passing accuracy and progressive carries among Bundesliga defenders, statistics that underline his comfort on the ball. His height also makes him a threat during set pieces, something Liverpool have traditionally used to their advantage.
The competition from Bayern and Madrid remains a threat, but Liverpool’s advantage lies in opportunity. At Anfield, Schlotterbeck would walk straight into the starting lineup and play an important role in the club’s rebuild. At Bayern, he might have to compete with de Ligt, Upamecano, and Kim Min-jae for minutes. At Madrid, he’d face a similar battle against Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger. Liverpool, however, can offer him a clear path to becoming the face of their new defence.
This kind of transfer is exactly the type of deal Liverpool used to master under Jurgen Klopp—finding top European talent before their price skyrockets. Arne Slot now appears to be continuing that tradition, working with a refreshed recruitment model to identify the next generation of leaders. The plan is simple: bring in Schlotterbeck next summer, use him alongside Van Dijk for a transitional year, and then let him lead the defence once the Dutchman eventually steps aside.
In Germany, fans are already aware that Schlotterbeck’s time at Dortmund could be nearing its end. His refusal to extend his contract has opened the door for negotiations, and the club’s hierarchy is already preparing for possible replacements. While Dortmund have historically resisted losing key players easily, their business model has always depended on selling at the right time—and this may be one of those moments.
For Liverpool fans, this would be an exciting signing. A 25-year-old German international at the top of his game, playing in one of Europe’s biggest leagues, ready to step into the Premier League and strengthen a defence that has shown signs of fragility in recent months—it’s the kind of move that brings confidence and long-term stability.
It’s also a statement of intent from Arne Slot. Since taking over from Klopp, he has faced pressure to prove that Liverpool can remain among Europe’s elite while undergoing a tactical and generational transformation. Bringing in a player of Schlotterbeck’s quality shows that Liverpool are not content with just maintaining standards—they’re looking to elevate them.
If everything goes as planned, Liverpool could finalize the deal by the end of the season, with medicals and personal terms expected to be straightforward given the player’s desire to move. For now, though, all eyes are on Dortmund and how they handle the situation.
One thing is clear: the race for Nico Schlotterbeck is heating up, and Liverpool have positioned themselves right at the front. If Arne Slot and his team can complete this deal, it would be one of the smartest and most strategic moves of Liverpool’s recent history—a perfect blend of timing, quality, and ambition
