Liverpool’s January transfer plans might not be as silent as they seem. While most fans are focused on recovering form after a mixed run of results, the club’s recruitment team is already working behind the scenes — and it appears they’ve got their eyes firmly set on Germany.
According to fresh reports (via DaveOCKOP), Liverpool have held early talks with representatives of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck.
The discussions are said to have gone positively, with the Reds viewing the 25-year-old as a strong candidate to bolster their defense following Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury.
The setback to the young Italian defender has left Liverpool short at the back, and with games coming thick and fast after the international break, Arne Slot reportedly wants reinforcements sooner rather than later.
ALSO READ: How Alexander Isak is now paying a heavy price after forcing his move out of Newcastle
Slot’s new defensive target for Liverpool
Schlotterbeck isn’t just another name on the list. The German international has been one of Dortmund’s most reliable performers since joining from Freiburg in 2023 for €30 million.
Known for his powerful defending and ability to start attacks from deep, he looks tailor-made for Slot’s style of play.
His stats tell the story. Over the past year, Schlotterbeck ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes and 98th for shot-creating actions among defenders in Europe’s top leagues — a sign that he’s not just a stopper but a playmaker from the back.
That combination of strength and composure has seen him rack up over 100 appearances for Dortmund and 20 caps for Germany.
ALSO READ: Konate released from France squad as Liverpool hit with fresh injury concerns
Dortmund’s dilemma and Liverpool’s advantage
Dortmund are reportedly keen to extend Schlotterbeck’s contract, which currently runs until 2027. Sport BILD claims they’re willing to offer him around €8–9 million per year, including bonuses.
But with Liverpool’s interest now public, things could get complicated for the German club.
The Reds, meanwhile, are quietly preparing their move. Having missed out on Marc Guehi in the summer — a regret that still lingers around Anfield — they seem determined not to let another prime target slip away.
For Liverpool, Schlotterbeck’s versatility is key. He can play both center-back and left-back, providing cover for Virgil van Dijk while also offering tactical flexibility for Slot.
As Van Dijk edges toward the twilight of his career, the German could be the long-term heir to the captain’s defensive throne.
And as fans know, the club loves a quiet move that makes a loud impact later — just ask anyone who remembers the stealthy signings of Fabinho or Díaz.