Liverpool Discover Nico Schlotterbeck Deal as Guehi Pursuit StallsNew Centre-Again Choices Emerge
report that “Liverpool have held preliminary and ‘constructive’ talks over the signing of a Borussia Dortmund star in a possible clue a second deal is NOT occurring.” That star is 25 12 months previous Nico Schlotterbeck, a left-footed Germany worldwide who has been named in three of the final 4 Bundesliga Groups of the Season and picked up 22 caps over the previous 4 years.
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Liverpool’s summer season switch window was lauded as close to flawless. The arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak each smashed the British switch document, considerably strengthening the backbone of Arne Slot’s facet. The one frustration was the failure to finish a deal for Marc Guehi on deadline day.
Giovanni Leoni’s ACL damage has solely sharpened deal with that place. Guehi stays admired, and together with his Crystal Palace contract expiring subsequent summer season, Liverpool nonetheless hope to safe him on a free. Nonetheless, TEAMtalk observe that Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Actual Madrid have all joined the chase, with Bayern already opening talks together with his camp.
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Schlotterbeck Talks Counsel Strategic Shift
Liverpool will not be ready passively. As TEAMtalk define, they’ve additionally proven curiosity in Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano whereas opening early dialogue with Schlotterbeck’s representatives relating to a 2026 transfer. These talks are described as “constructive”, signalling real looking pursuit fairly than speculative scouting.
This method contrasts sharply with how the membership dealt with the Isak saga. TEAMtalk recall Fabrizio Romano’s declare that Liverpool “resisted the temptation to open talks with various strikers,” believing Isak was the right match. Had that deal collapsed, the membership wouldn’t have signed anyone, already having Hugo Ekitike as backup.
With Guehi, Liverpool are behaving in a different way. TEAMtalk state that “in Guehi’s case, Liverpool are already making noise round each Upamecano and now Schlotterbeck.” The suggestion is obvious. Liverpool need Guehi, however they’re unwilling to attend if his camp entertains rival provides.
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Centre-Again Technique Taking Form
TEAMtalk make clear that “it’s essential to emphasize Guehi stays Liverpool’s favoured possibility at centre-back.” Nonetheless, if Ibrahima Konate departs when his contract expires, two central defenders could also be required. Slot and the recruitment staff look like making ready for that risk. Schlotterbeck provides one thing distinctive: a ball-playing left-footer comfy in possession and dominant in aerial duels.
Whereas curiosity remains to be at an exploratory stage, the tone of TEAMtalk’s reporting signifies real intent fairly than curiosity. Liverpool’s hierarchy could also be subtly signalling to Guehi’s camp that hesitancy is not going to be tolerated.
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For Liverpool, this appears like sensible positioning fairly than panic. Guehi remains to be the best possibility for a lot of supporters. Premier League confirmed, mature past his years and tactically adaptable. Nonetheless, Liverpool have been burnt earlier than when ready on gamers already entertaining curiosity from larger spenders. Schalke, Fulham, and now Guehi’s camp have all proven how drawn-out sagas can depart the membership uncovered.
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Schlotterbeck, in the meantime, is much from a downgrade. His performances for Borussia Dortmund recommend he may excel in a better line of defense, and his left-footed profile lastly brings stability to a unit traditionally dominated by right-sided choices. Some followers will rightly ask whether or not Liverpool ought to merely signal each. With Konate’s contract unresolved, and with Leoni’s damage casting uncertainty over long-term depth, it will not be unreasonable.
The encouraging side is that the membership are being proactive. No extra ready for the right storm. If Guehi hesitates, Liverpool will transfer.