Liverpool narrowly missed out on Crystal Palace star Marc Göch but are hoping to sign a centre-back in 2026, with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck linked with a move to Anfield.
Bayern Munich are no longer expected to target Nico Schlotterbeck to increase the chances of Liverpool signing him. Schlotterbeck, 26, has been linked with both clubs, as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid, with his future at Borussia Dortmund uncertain.
Schlotterbeck has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Dortmund, but extension talks have yet to be concluded, leaving the door open for a sale in 2026. Schlotterbeck’s age and the fact that he is left-handed make him an exciting option for clubs looking for a centre-back.
This is especially true for Liverpool, whose contract with Ibrahima Konate expires in June. The Reds were close to signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehy on the infamous September transfer deadline day. A deal was agreed for a fee of £35m, but Palace were sent off with 11 hours left on the clock, leaving Liverpool dissatisfied.
Guehi, 25, continues to impress at Palace and, like Konate, it would be no surprise if he ends up at Anfield when his contract expires this summer. However, Manchester City are facing an injury crisis in their defense and are said to be considering a January move for the England international, forcing Liverpool to consider alternatives.
read more: Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Kai Havertz, two Arsenal stars absent from game against Liverpoolread more: Arne Slott learns of Liverpool’s January transfer fee and announces Marc Gehi’s arrival
Fortunately for Arne Slott’s camp, there is one less contender in the race for Schlotterbeck. Bayern have reached an agreement with Dayot Upamecano to extend his stay in Munich. Negotiations have been ongoing throughout the season and there was speculation that the Bundesliga champions would target Schlotterbeck if the Frenchman rejected a new contract.
But now Bild has reported that Upamecano is looking to sign a new contract to extend his career at Bayern. Final details are being revealed and the 27-year-old is expected to finalize his deal before the January transfer window closes.
Should Liverpool sign Nico Schlotterbeck? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
As for Schlotterbeck’s contract situation, Dortmund are said to be preparing a huge offer to keep him. “We are talking about a long-term contract. We have a good dialogue, but of course he wants to take this decision carefully,” sporting managing director and club legend Lars Ricken told DAZN last month.
“We know what he needs. He knows what he has at this club. And you can see that in his reaction. No player who has left the club reacts like that. That emotion shows he belongs in the team. We are not going to give an update on the situation right now. These conversations are too confidential for that.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
