1 month ago
48
Liverpool's pursuit of Borussia Dortmund center-back Nico Schlotterbeck has hit a new snag.
The German publication Sport BILD previously reported that the defender was on Liverpool's radar. However, securing the 25-year-old's signature could prove challenging as it's now suggested that Dortmund are planning to make Schlotterbeck the poster boy of the club.
It was previously reported that Liverpool was ready to table an offer of €50 million ($58M) for his services. However, recent claims from Ruhr Nachrichten suggest that Niklas Sule's tenure at Dortmund will conclude when his contract runs out in the summer of 2026. The Black and Yellows have reportedly decided against extending the 30-year-old defender's contract.
Sule's potential exit would likely complicate any possible departure for Schlotterbeck. His departure would free up some funds on the wage bill, potentially allowing Dortmund to offer their star center-back a new contract - fending off reported interest from Merseyside and beyond.
This is a setback for Liverpool, who has already faced disappointment in its quest to sign top center-back target Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender was on the brink of a move to Anfield at the close of the summer transfer window, but the Reds couldn't get the deal across the line.
Liverpool now finds itself at a disadvantage in its pursuit of Guehi. From January onwards, clubs outside England will be able to begin pre-contract negotiations with the Palace captain, whilst the Reds, along with other domestic sides, must wait until May when he enters the final month of his deal - unless a transfer fee can be agreed during the January window.
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich's sporting director, Max Eberl, has recently held discussions with Guehi's representative, Gordon Stipic. The report suggests that the German giants have entered the running to secure the England international's signature, though they face stiff competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Guehi is reportedly among Bayern's 'preferred targets', particularly should Dayot Upamecano opt against extending his own contract, which likewise expires in the summer. It's suggested that Bayern's move for the Palace defender could also depend on whether Kim Min-jae departs the club.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Earlier this month, Oliver Glasner confirmed that Guehi has informed Selhurst Park officials of his intention not to renew his contract.
Speaking to journalists last week, the Palace manager said: "I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year.
"The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal.
"And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
English (US) ·