Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast , journalist Pete O'Rourke claimed that Liverpool have identified Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as a target. O'Rourke said,
"Nico Schlotterbeck is a long-term target, the Borussia Dortmund and Germany centre-back who was linked with the move to Liverpool last summer. He signed a new deal but I'm sure is a player who is still on their radar.
"Then you've got the likes of Murillo at Forest, he is another player that Liverpool have looked at. I'm sure there'll be other potential targets as well.
"Bastoni at Inter Milan is a player that's been a long-term target for the Reds, and then Jules Kounde as well at Barcelona, although he's played right back primarily for them, he can also play at centre-back, and his future at Camp Nou is uncertain."
Schlotterbeck has enjoyed a good run of form for the German club in this campaign so far as he has put in a few solid performances for them on the defensive end of the field. The 26-year-old has registered one goal in six appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season on all fronts.
The German talent is currently among the most talented centre-backs in the Bundesliga. Hence, it is no surprise that the Reds are showing interest in recruiting him next year.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – OCTOBER 09: Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund runs with the ball during the Bundesliga 2026/27 match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park on October 09, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
His current contract at Signal Iduna Park will run out in the summer of 2031, which could make it tough for Liverpool to sign him on a cut-price deal this January or at the end of this campaign.
Schlotterbeck is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and is a tidy passer as well from the back.
Standing at 1.91m, the German sensation is a strong presence in the air as well. However, there are some question marks on whether he can cope with the high intensity of the Premier League if the Reds manage to bring him on board next year.
We can expect Schlotterbeck to add more quality and depth to Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola's defence. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at Anfield in the coming years.
At 26, Schlotterbeck has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent option for the Merseyside club to pursue in 2027. However, Iraola has to give him some time to adjust to life in England before he can get the best out of the player.
