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Liverpool eye Nico Schlotterbeck amid uncertainty over Konate and Guehi pursuit

Liverpool are making ready to discover the potential of signing Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, with the German worldwide rising as a severe candidate of their seek for defensive reinforcements, based on .

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The membership’s recruitment crew has lengthy prioritised the addition of a centre-back, significantly after lacking out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi over the last switch window. That setback, coupled with the rising uncertainty round Ibrahima Konate’s contract state of affairs, has prompted Liverpool to reassess their long-term defensive choices.

Photograph: IMAGO

Schlotterbeck monitored as potential resolution

Schlotterbeck, 25, has been on Liverpool’s radar for a number of months and is known to be admired for his mix of composure, aerial dominance and tactical consciousness. His contract with Dortmund runs till 2027, however discussions over an extension have stalled, opening a possible alternative for golf equipment to make a transfer subsequent summer season.

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In response to reviews in Germany, Dortmund stay hopeful of convincing Schlotterbeck to remain, although their preliminary proposal was met with hesitation by the participant’s representatives. Bayern Munich and Actual Madrid are additionally monitoring the state of affairs, creating the prospect of a high-profile battle throughout Europe for his signature.

For Liverpool, the state of affairs represents a possible window to behave decisively. Sources near the membership recommend that preliminary contact may very well be made within the coming months as Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes look to solidify the defensive core earlier than the following marketing campaign.

Konate’s future provides to defensive issues

Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, is approaching the ultimate six months of his contract and has but to agree an extension. Whereas the membership are open to holding him, there’s a rising acceptance that he could search a brand new problem — significantly with Actual Madrid expressing long-standing curiosity within the France worldwide.

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Madrid’s recruitment focus for 2025 reportedly consists of Konate, Guehi and Schlotterbeck, as Carlo Ancelotti prepares for a potential reshaping of his defensive unit. That overlap might straight influence Liverpool’s plans, given their curiosity in the identical targets.

If Konate had been to depart, Liverpool could be left in need of pure centre-backs able to performing on the elite degree required for a title problem and Champions League development. The membership are due to this fact prioritising readability on his future earlier than the January window, with contingency plans already in place.

Guehi stays on radar regardless of summer season setback

Regardless of Crystal Palace’s agency stance over the last window, Guehi stays of curiosity to Liverpool. His profile — Premier League-proven, tactically versatile, and nonetheless solely 24 — matches the membership’s recruitment philosophy. Nonetheless, his market valuation, anticipated to exceed £60 million, might make any deal tough except participant gross sales are sanctioned.

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Liverpool’s scouting division continues to evaluate a number of choices, together with rising defenders in France and Portugal, although Schlotterbeck’s identify is seen as essentially the most established resolution out there at an affordable price.

Schlotterbeck weighing his choices

For now, Schlotterbeck stays centered on his performances with Dortmund, however he’s mentioned to be open to listening to provides ought to talks along with his present membership fail to progress. Sporting director Lars Ricken has publicly acknowledged the participant’s proper to think about his future however confused that Dortmund wouldn’t permit the method to pull on indefinitely.

“It’s his proper to plan his future fastidiously,” Ricken informed Sport Bild. “We respect that. What issues most is belief and conviction, not simply the monetary facet. We gained’t rush issues, however we additionally gained’t let it proceed endlessly.”

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Liverpool’s curiosity, whereas at an early stage, underscores their intention to stay proactive in a switch market more and more outlined by expiring contracts and strategic timing. Because the futures of Konate, Guehi and Schlotterbeck intertwine, Anfield’s subsequent defensive signing might rely as a lot on circumstance as on alternative.