Liverpool handed major boost in race to sign defender in 2026 | OneFootball

Liverpool Consider Schlotterbeck After BILD Reveal Contract Standstill

Liverpool’s search for defensive reinforcements has moved into sharper focus after fresh reports from BILD suggested that Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck will not sign a new contract at the Westfalenstadion. For a club that has already been assessing long term solutions, this latest development could not be more timely.

Centre-back Depth Under Increasing Strain

Arne Slot’s squad management has been heavily scrutinised this season, largely because of the lack of depth at centre-back. The club missed out on Marc Guehi last summer and the consequences have lingered. Liverpool currently rely on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, while Giovanni Leoni will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign following his ACL injury on debut.

Konate’s contract is another looming concern, due to expire in 2026, and Liverpool are yet to make major progress toward an extension. With Van Dijk and Gomez both set to leave the club in 2027, the strategic importance of recruiting a new defensive leader has become increasingly apparent.

Photo: IMAGO

Schlotterbeck Emerges as a Key Candidate

Nico Schlotterbeck has been a long standing name on Liverpool’s list. The 26 year old has built an impressive reputation in Germany, becoming one of Europe’s standout left sided centre-backs since joining Dortmund in 2022. His physicality, passing range and aerial dominance have made him central to Dortmund’s defensive structure.

According to BILD, his future now looks set to diverge from the Bundesliga club. Their report states that contract negotiations have reached a defining point:“For months, the club has been fighting to extend the contract of their defensive leader beyond 2027 and has long since submitted an official offer,” the report reads.“But nothing has come of it. And therefore, I’m making a bold statement: Schlotterbeck will not extend his contract with BVB!”

If accurate, this hands Liverpool a significant opening. Dortmund must either cash in or risk losing one of their most valuable players for nothing in around 18 months.

Photo: IMAGO

Transfer Timing Could Benefit Liverpool

With Schlotterbeck’s contract situation unresolved, a January offer could hold mutual benefits. Dortmund face a familiar dilemma, allowing a high value player’s contract to run down or accepting a reduced fee sooner. For Liverpool, the timing aligns perfectly with their defensive shortfall, especially with Konate’s future uncertain and Leoni recovering long term.

Slot will eventually need to plan for life beyond Van Dijk, whose influence remains immense but naturally finite. Schlotterbeck, who fits the profile Liverpool value in modern defenders, could provide an ideal succession solution.

Other names in consideration include Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, though both would require significantly larger financial commitments. Schlotterbeck’s contractual circumstances make him a far more practical option.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

A lot of Liverpool supporters will look at this report and feel that it matches the club’s current trajectory. Centre-back depth has become one of the biggest talking points around Anfield and the combination of injuries and contract expiries has put the recruitment team under real pressure. With Giovanni Leoni out until next season and Ibrahima Konate entering the final seven months of his deal, fans are already bracing themselves for movement in January.

Nico Schlotterbeck feels like a realistic and measured target. He is proven at a high level, strong on the left side of defence, comfortable building play and entering his prime years. That profile aligns with how Liverpool have tried to future proof the squad under both Michael Edwards and now Richard Hughes.

The revelation from BILD that he will not sign a new Dortmund deal will only heighten speculation. Supporters know that Liverpool are typically proactive when contract opportunities present themselves. With Van Dijk still exceptional but approaching the later stages of his career, many fans believe that a long term successor needs to be secured soon.

There will still be debate about whether Liverpool should push for a January move or wait until the summer market. Yet, given the current defensive shortage, the former appears to make more sense. If Dortmund are open to negotiation, this could be a rare opportunity for Liverpool to strengthen immediately without paying elite level fees. For intrigued fans, this story feels like one to watch closely.