Virgil Van Dijk is getting older and Joe Gomez has been out injured for a long period of time. Jarell Quansah has also not reached the point where he has the full trust of manager Arne Slot, and Liverpool are looking for a new centre-back.
While various defenders are making the media rounds, it appears that a new player has been added to the list of candidates.
Christian Falk (German journalist) has reported that the Reds are eyeing Borussia Dortmund defender Niko Schlotterbeck and have listed him as the Dutch defender’s successor.
“Liverpool has Nico Schlotterbeck (25, contract til 2017) of Borussia Dortmund on their list. Schlotterbeck could be the successor of Virgil van Dijk (33). The centre-back has a salary of €5m per year. Dortmund want to give him a new contract.”
✅ Liverpool habe Nico Schlotterbeck (25, contract til 2017) of @BVB Dortmund on their List
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) March 11, 2025
❇️ Schlotterbeck could be the successor of Virgil van Dijk (33)
❇️ The centre-back has a salary of €5mio per year
❇️ Dortmund want to give him a new contract @BILD_Sport pic.twitter.com/5TVPt752Ij
He is a left-handed centre-back, which Liverpool do not have, and can also play at left-back. He has been entrusted with a key role in the team this season and has made 30 appearances throughout the Bundesliga and Champions League.
He has also made 18 appearances for the German national team and has a wealth of experience.
It remains to be seen whether he has the potential to reach the level of a veteran centre-back, but there is no doubt that he is one of the best defenders in Germany and with a contract until 2027, it would not be surprising if he steps up this summer.
Will the German national team centre-back land in the Premier League next season…?