Liverpool’s search for a marquee centre-back has been handed a massive boost following a shock twist in Germany.
Nico Schlotterbeck, a primary target for both the Reds and Manchester United, has publicly slammed the brakes on a new deal with Borussia Dortmund, leaving the door wide open for a Premier League move this summer.
Just days after reports suggested the 26-year-old was set to sign a massive extension through 2031, Schlotterbeck stunned the Bundesliga club by categorically denying the claims.
Speaking after Germany’s clash with Ghana, the defender revealed that negotiations have stalled following the departure of sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
It would be unrealistic to expect FSG to break the bank this summer after they splurged £446m on seven new signings last year on the back of the team’s title-winning campaign.
While Richard Hughes was praised for his recruitment at the time, questions have since been raised about the sporting director, with Liverpool’s struggles this season exposing glaring issues in the squad.
Fans believe the Reds hierarchy have left Arne Slot short in a few positions despite their extravagant spending.
Therefore, the onus is on Hughes and Michael Edwards to right the wrongs of last year this time around.
Liverpool receive Nico Schlotterbeck boost
Liverpool have already set the ball rolling for the summer, having struck a deal to acquire Jeremy Jacquet’s services from Rennes as early as January.
However, it would not be mindless for the Merseyside-based club to add another centre-back to their ranks, especially as Virgil van Dijk turns 35 in July.
The captain’s contract expires next year, and his inevitable departure – whether that is in 15 months or later – will certainly leave a gaping hole in the heart of the Reds’ defence.
That is why Nico Schlotterbeck makes an ideal transfer target for Slot’s side. At 26 years of age, the central defender has established himself as a regular for Borussia Dortmund and Germany.
He also fits the increasingly elusive profile of a left-footed centre-back.
There have been suggestions that Schlotterbeck is set to put pen to paper on a fresh contract at Dortmund.
However, the Germany international has since made a U-turn on his stance, stating that he has to rethink his future after Dortmund fired sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who helmed negotiations with the player.
Christian Falk, though, reckons there is another reason for this sudden shift.
The German journalist has reported that interest from Liverpool and Manchester United could be the real reason Schlotterbeck is stalling on a new contract at Dortmund.
The Bundesliga giants also think that the defender naming Kehl’s exit as the reason for his change of mind is just a ‘pretext’, Falk added.
Liverpool to battle Manchester United for Schlotterbeck
While no one can be certain of the reason why Schlotterback has made a U-turn on signing a new contract at the moment, this comes as good news to Liverpool, as well as Manchester United.
The Premier League is arguably the world’s biggest football league, with players often securing contracts that are among the largest in the world.
Therefore, it is no surprise that players dream of playing in England, with Liverpool and Manchester United usually the most attractive options.
It would not be a stretch to suggest that the Anfield outfit and the Red Devils may have turned Schlotterbeck’s head ahead of the summer.
The German’s existing deal at Dortmund is set to run out at the end of next season, meaning the Bundesliga outfit may be forced to cash in on him this year if he does not commit his future.
It now remains to be seen if Liverpool can beat their arch-rivals to the defender’s signature.
