Liverpool is actively exploring potential defensive transfer targets as the team undergoes significant changes.
On one hand, there’s a pressing need to strengthen the defensive lineup due to the confirmed absence of Giovanni Leoni, who is likely to be sidelined for most of the season. His recovery will require careful management over the coming years.
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Additionally, both Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson face uncertain futures, with their current contracts expiring this summer and negotiations for renewals ongoing.
The long-term strategy for the squad will also hinge on finding a suitable replacement for Virgil Van Dijk, the team’s captain and a stalwart defender, who has showcased his exceptional talent for nearly eight years.
Consequently, Liverpool’s growing interest in defenders is quite understandable, and recent reports suggest that one particular deal may be taking shape, with the club emerging as frontrunners.
‘His future is with Liverpool’
According to Defensa Central, citing Liverpool journalist David Lynch, the Reds are viewed as favorites to acquire Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck.
The latest report states: “The young defender from Borussia Dortmund has been on Juni Calafat’s radar for some time, and his future appears to be at Liverpool, as confirmed by journalist David Lynch.
“While nothing is finalized yet, Schlotterbeck has shown keen interest in Liverpool. I harbor some doubts about Upamecano, but Schlotterbeck is a player who has received consistent attention and praise. I believe any potential transfer will occur in the summer rather than January.
“… Real Madrid is aware that they will likely lose Nico Schlotterbeck.”
Interestingly, this situation becomes more complicated if Konate opts against renewing his contract with Liverpool, potentially leaving an opening for him to join Real Madrid.
However, it seems unlikely that Liverpool would pursue the 25-year-old German defender as a direct replacement for Konate, given that Schlotterbeck is left-footed and has a playing style more akin to that of Van Dijk.
Last summer, the plan was to build on the current setup, with players like Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace being a preferred target, although that deal fell through at the last moment on deadline day.
Thus, what role Schlotterbeck would fill in Arne Slot’s lineup remains uncertain, allowing for the possibility of his addition without necessitating the exit of another player.
Nevertheless, Schlotterbeck will command a transfer fee, as his contract runs until 2027; while a move at a reduced cost may be feasible, he isn’t likely to leave for free.
With four years of experience as a starting defender in the Bundesliga with Dortmund, he would bring both experience and reliability to Liverpool. His potential arrival would be advantageous, and the notion of Real Madrid viewing him as destined for Liverpool adds a positive dimension to the situation. Nonetheless, lingering defensive issues for the Reds will need to be addressed moving forward.
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