No club at this level can plan to fight on multiple fronts without depth in defence, and Liverpool have been forced to confront that truth again. Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury has trimmed the centre back pool to Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, a trio with immense pedigree but also fitness histories that make squad planning feel like walking a midfield tightrope at Anfield on a stormy European night.

Into that conversation steps Dietmar Hamann, never shy of calling things as he sees them. The former Liverpool midfielder has turned the spotlight on Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, giving the Germany international a glowing endorsement and urging the Reds to act boldly.

“Bayern Munich are stepping up their interest in Nico Schlotterbeck,” Hamann told ESportsBets.com. “He’s been out with an injury for four or five months and only been back for four or five weeks. He’s a natural leader.”

Schlotterbeck profile and potential at Liverpool

Schlotterbeck offers the sort of profile Liverpool tend to covet. Progressive on the ball, aerially commanding, good recovery pace and comfortable defending large spaces, his skill set fits a side that expects to dominate territory. With Borussia Dortmund he has made 132 appearances and already collected 22 caps for Germany, and at just 25 there is a long runway ahead.

“Liverpool are interested, but you don’t know how long Virgil van Dijk is going to be there. The perfect situation would be to bring somebody in who maybe plays with Van Dijk for one or two years and then takes over Van Dijk’s role. I think he’d be a great signing for Liverpool and a lot of other teams as well.”

It is the succession argument that resonates most. Van Dijk remains a commanding presence, still the lighthouse at the back, but elite clubs never wait for decline before acting. If Liverpool see Schlotterbeck as the next reference point in defence, timing matters.

Transfer dynamics and Bayern factor

Liverpool are not alone in admiring him. Bayern Munich’s interest is real, and that complicates the picture. There is also the player’s stance. Schlotterbeck has delayed signing a new Dortmund contract and wants to see how competitive the club remain in the chase for major trophies. That pause creates an opening but also signals ambition. Any pursuit will need clarity on role, project and pathway to silverware.

If Schlotterbeck is the top defensive priority, it would align with their willingness to strike decisively for centre backs in the past, from Van Dijk to Konate.

January outlook and recruitment call

Liverpool’s summer attempt to land Marc Guehi fell short, heightening the pressure to strengthen. Whether they move now or wait until the summer window comes down to availability, valuation and confidence in internal options. The logic is compelling though, especially with fixtures piling like snow on Boxing Day.

Hamann’s assessment is emphatic, the need is clear, and the market knows Liverpool must act. If there is faith in Schlotterbeck as future defensive lynchpin, hesitation could let Bayern steal another Bundesliga gem.