Liverpool are considering Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who is expected to depart Anfield as a free agent next month when his contract expires. The club confirmed Konate will not be offered a contract extension, prompting Liverpool to explore defensive options.
While Jeremy Jacquet, arriving from Rennes this summer, and the recovering Giovani Leoni are internal options, Liverpool are evaluating external targets. Schlotterbeck has been on their radar for several months, and a release clause in his recent contract with Dortmund presents a viable pathway to securing his signature.
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool, alongside Real Madrid, are among a limited number of clubs able to trigger the release clause, which is valued between €50-60million (approximately £52m). However, Plettenberg notes the clause is only active for a limited period, expiring around July 19th, coinciding with the World Cup final.
Further reports suggest Schlotterbeck himself is keen on a move to Merseyside. Football365 cited sources indicating that Schlotterbeck informed Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz during the recent Germany World Cup camp that he dreams of playing for the Reds. No formal offer has been made at this stage, but the player’s interest adds weight to the possibility of a transfer.
Liverpool are also monitoring other defensive options, including former academy player Jarrell Quansah, who has earned a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, and Greek defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, whose club Wolfsburg were recently relegated from the Bundesliga. Koulierakis, valued at around €25m (£22m) by transfermarkt, could be available at a reasonable fee as he seeks to remain in a top-tier league. The potential arrival of Schlotterbeck would provide a high-quality replacement for Konate, bolstering Liverpool’s defensive options ahead of the new season.
