Liverpool have reportedly made a decision on whether they will pursue a Nico Schlotterbeck transfer as contract talks with Borussia Dortmund continue to stall. The 25-year-old's negotiations with Dortmund have dragged on for months, with both sides yet to agree on fresh terms. The club is desperate to keep hold of one of their defensive cornerstones, but Schlotterbeck’s camp has been reluctant to commit, leaving Europe’s biggest teams circling with the hopes of a potential transfer.
Anfield deal off as Liverpool pull the plug
According to Liverpool have stepped back from pursuing Schlotterbeck, ending weeks of speculation linking the German with a move to Anfield. Despite growing uncertainty around the centre-back’s contract situation, the Reds have decided not to join the bidding war, even with Ibrahima Konate’s future still unresolved. The Reds had considered Schlotterbeck but have ultimately turned their attention elsewhere after failing to land Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. However, with Giovanni Leoni, the young Italian defender from Parma, sidelined by an ACL injury, Liverpool’s backline is looking stretched. The report suggests that the Merseyside giants could re-enter the market in 2026 for a new centre-back, possibly revisiting their pursuit of Guehi when he becomes available on a free transfer. But with Real Madrid monitoring the situation at Selhurst Park, the Reds will face stiff competition for the England international.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportDortmund's tense stand-off
Dortmund have tabled a lucrative deal designed to make Schlotterbeck one of their top earners, worth an eye-watering €10 million a year. The new contract would keep him at the club beyond 2027, but despite the golden offer, the player and his agent, Bjorn Etzel, have refused to sign on the dotted line. Those close to the player claim he’s in no rush to decide. With the next World Cup on the horizon, Schlotterbeck wants to keep his options open, and with Bayern Munich lurking, his hesitation has sent alarm bells ringing in Dortmund’s boardroom.
further claim that Bayern have indeed made contact with Schlotterbeck’s representatives. The Bavarian giants are keeping a close eye on the situation, aware that a domestic rival could soon have a defensive gem available. The club faces uncertainty in defence as Dayot Upamecano’s contract negotiations have stalled, Min-jae Kim has been linked with a potential sale, and Hiroki Ito’s recurring injury issues have created instability. A left-footed, ball-playing defender like Schlotterbeck fits perfectly into the club’s long-term vision. Though Bayern have yet to speak directly to Dortmund, the report confirms the interest is very real.
BVB's warning to Schlotterbeck
Dortmund’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, has subtly warned the player that the club won’t wait forever.
In an interview with , Ricken remarked, "It is his absolute right to plan his future carefully. We respect that. And I believe that the focus should not be on salary, but on prospects, trust, and conviction. We will not rush into anything. But of course, we don't want to drag it out indefinitely. Everyone is aware of that."
Ricken’s tone has shifted, suggesting that while Dortmund value Schlotterbeck, they’re unwilling to be held hostage by endless uncertainty. However, head coach Niko Kovac, speaking to ahead of the blockbuster clash against Bayern, brushed off the transfer talk and insisted that Dortmund aren’t panicking.
"What I see is completely positive," he said. "Schlotti is here with all his heart and soul. He's giving it his all in training, he wants to play every game, every minute. We had to wait a long time for him after his injury. Now he's back. He's looking forward to every minute in the black and yellow jersey, and that's why I'm not thinking about the future at all. It's all about the present, and he's very important to us."
AFPSchlotterbeck holds all the cards
There had been reports that Real Madrid might enter the race, especially with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger approaching the final years of their contracts. But there have been no concrete movements from Los Blancos, which effectively narrows the race to Bayern and Dortmund, with Liverpool observing from afar and waiting to see how the dominoes fall.
For his part, Schlotterbeck remains torn. The player has repeatedly spoken about his love for German football and his desire to stay in the Bundesliga. Before joining Dortmund from Freiburg, he told , “I'm not the type of person who necessarily wants to play in England or Spain. I always wanted to play in the Bundesliga, and preferably at the best club."
The defender is still leaning toward a renewal, believing in the Dortmund project and cherishing the bond with the club’s 81,000-strong Yellow Wall. But ambition and the lure of bigger trophies may prove too tempting to ignore forever. If the stalemate continues into next year, Dortmund may face an impossible decision as they might be forced to cash in on their prized asset.