Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are keen on signing 26-year-old German international Nico Schlotterbeck from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund next year.
According to a report by German outlet Fussball News, Nico Schlotterbeck is also the subject of interest from Barcelona, though none of the suitors have begun talks over a deal. Meanwhile, the Borussia Dortmund defender has a release clause worth €50-60 million in his contract with the Bundesliga giants, and it applicable to “selected top European clubs”.
Nico Schlotterbeck and his career so far
Nico Schlotterbeck has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga over his stints with SC Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund. Standing at 6ft 3in, the Waiblingen native spent his formative years in Germany, passing through the academies at five clubs in his homeland and graduating from the youth division at SC Freiburg.
The 26-year-old has been with Borussia Dortmund since July 2022, and he has been a pivotal figure for the Bundesliga giants. The German international has over 150 outings for Borussia Dortmund thus far while chipping in with 12 goals and 18 assists. However, Schlotterbeck’s future is uncertain, as he has entered the final 18 months of his contract. The situation has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs.
A man in demand
Nico Schlotterbeck has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Ibrahima Konate has entered the final few months of his contract without coming close to a renewal. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk is in the twilight of his career. So, while the Reds have two young centre-backs, they must sign someone at his peak who can guide Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet before they become the first-choice central defenders.
As for Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30, and the latter has constantly struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons. Additionally, Eder Militao has suffered long-term injuries in three successive seasons, compelling Real Madrid to seek a long-term partner for Dean Huijsen.
Meanwhile, Manchester United may not seemingly have an urgent need to sign a centre-back, as Michael Carrick has half a dozen options for the two spots. However, Harry Maguire is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career, while Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are becoming increasingly unreliable due to their poor fitness record.