Liverpool transfer 'priority' becomes clear ahead of January window as contract ticks down

Liverpool has reportedly put its interest in signing Nico Schlotterbeck on the back-burner, with a January swoop for the Borussia Dortmund center-back deemed unlikely.

Schlotterbeck is facing an uncertain future at Dortmund ahead of the expiry of his contract with the German club in June 2027. Dortmund is keen to keep hold of Schlotterbeck but has been left frustrated by its failure, so far, to tie the 26-year-old to a new contract.

Schlotterbeck is regarded as one of the Bundesliga's best center-backs, and has been linked with a move away from the Westfalenstadion – with Anfield mooted as a possible destination for him.

There is uncertainty surrounding the futures of a number of Liverpool defenders, with Virgil van Dijk turning 35 next year, Ibrahima Konate soon to be out of contract, and Joe Gomez having battled persistent fitness issues for the past 12 months.

The addition of a player like Schlotterbeck would provide some long-term security in that position for the Reds, but German outlet BILD (via Sport Witness) says that Schlotterbeck is not viewed as a priority addition by Liverpool during the January window, with a swoop next summer more likely.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's hopes of keeping hold of Konate were boosted last week as it emerged that Real Madrid is not planning an attempt to sign the France international on a free transfer next summer.

It had been widely reported for several months that Madrid was considering swooping for Konate when his Liverpool contract expires in June 2026.

However, The Athletic sprung a surprise last week as it claimed that Madrid has directly informed Liverpool that it has no interest in signing the France international.

The reason behind Madrid's decision to withdraw its apparent interest is not clear, but Konate's poor form must surely factor into things.

The French defender had a good 2024-25 campaign, establishing himself as Van Dijk's first-choice partner, but he has been among Liverpool's worst performers this term.

Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported that Konate's poor form is indeed the reason behind Madrid turning its attention elsewhere.

Madrid could instead look to sign Marc Guehi as a free agent when his Crystal Palace contract expires at the end of the campaign.

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