Liverpool Monitoring Nico Schlotterbeck Situation as Contract Talks Stall

Reports from Germany suggest that Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck is hesitating to sign a new contract, alerting several top European clubs – with Liverpool among those closely monitoring developments.

According to BILD, the 25-year-old Germany international has been offered fresh terms by Dortmund, but negotiations have slowed due to disagreement over salary expectations. That standstill could open the door for Premier League interest, though Dortmund remain reluctant to sanction any January departure.

Liverpool’s Defensive Priorities

With Liverpool dealing with defensive injury setbacks, including concerns surrounding Ibrahima Konaté, there is an increasing sense that reinforcements may be required in the January transfer window. Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are understood to be assessing several options, with Schlotterbeck emerging as a prime candidate.

Sources in Germany indicate that Liverpool view the left-footed centre-back as an ideal long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. His combination of aerial dominance, composure on the ball and strong positional sense fits the club’s defensive philosophy.

BILD’s report also claims that the player himself is open to a Premier League switch, with Liverpool seen as one of the few clubs able to meet both Dortmund’s valuation and the player’s personal ambitions.

Why Schlotterbeck Appeals to Liverpool

Those within the Liverpool recruitment structure are said to prefer Schlotterbeck over other available options, including Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano. One Merseyside-based journalist noted:

“Schlotterbeck makes more sense for Liverpool, and he’s the better player as well. Upamecano’s got mistakes in him. Schlotterbeck is someone they definitely like and have watched closely.”

That view reflects a growing consensus among analysts that the Dortmund defender’s profile suits Liverpool’s evolving system under Slot. His statistics this season underline that point: over 270 Bundesliga minutes, he has won over 70 per cent of his aerial duels, completed 14 recoveries and made four interceptions – all while maintaining composure in possession.

His recent international performances for Germany have only reinforced that reputation. In the win over Northern Ireland, Schlotterbeck earned an 8/10 rating from FotMob after winning five of six aerial duels and helping secure a clean sheet.

Dortmund’s Contract Challenge

For Dortmund, the key issue revolves around wages. Reports claim Schlotterbeck has been offered a new deal running until 2030, worth around €8 million (£6.9m) per year. However, the player is reportedly dissatisfied, particularly when compared to teammate Niklas Süle, who earns close to €14 million (£12.1m) despite a reduced role.

Christian Falk of Bayern Insider explained:
“He already has a contract offer until the summer of 2030 on the table from Dortmund. However, if he accepts, he would just earn about €8m gross – and he’s not satisfied with this. That’s also because his teammate, Niklas Süle, is earning significantly more and he’s often on the bench.”

That pay disparity, combined with Liverpool’s interest, could place pressure on Dortmund in the months ahead. While the club have publicly ruled out a January sale, history suggests that stance can soften if a substantial offer arrives.

Transfer Outlook and Potential Fee

Liverpool were reportedly prepared to pay around £50 million for Schlotterbeck last summer. With his current contract running until 2027, any mid-season approach is expected to exceed that figure, especially given Dortmund’s reluctance to weaken their squad mid-campaign.

Much will depend on whether Schlotterbeck renews before January. If talks continue to stall, Dortmund may face a difficult decision: risk losing leverage in the summer, or cash in early while his market value remains high.

For Liverpool, whose defensive depth has been tested, the situation represents both a challenge and an opportunity. A proven international defender of Schlotterbeck’s calibre rarely becomes available mid-season – and if the numbers align, the Merseyside club could yet make a decisive move.