Liverpool could reignite their long-standing interest in Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck after the German international signed a new contract with the Bundesliga club. Despite committing his future to Signal Iduna Park until 2031, a substantial release clause in the deal has handed the Reds a clear pathway to secure one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs.
The 26-year-old had previously been viewed as excellent value, with reports suggesting he could have been available for under £30 million in the final year of his old contract. However, his new agreement includes a release clause reportedly set at approximately £52 million, according to German outlet Kicker. This figure, while higher, remains realistic for a player of Schlotterbeck’s calibre and could allow Liverpool to move decisively this summer.
Arne Slot’s side have endured significant defensive instability throughout the campaign. An injury-hit backline has been a major factor in their inconsistent results, highlighted by the cruel ACL injury suffered by summer signing Giovanni Leoni shortly after an impressive debut. Further uncertainty surrounds Ibrahima Konaté’s future, as the Frenchman is yet to agree fresh terms, while Joe Gomez could depart Anfield. Virgil van Dijk, though still performing at an elite level, will turn 35 at the start of next season, making the search for a high-quality, long-term partner a priority.
Liverpool have already secured the signing of young French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, but additional experience and depth in central defence remain essential. A move for Marc Guehi ultimately fell through, first in the summer and again in January, underscoring the need for a proven, commanding presence.
Standing at 6’3”, the left-footed Schlotterbeck ranks among the most versatile and composed defenders in European football. His statistics this season underline his quality: he has won 62% of his duels in the Bundesliga, achieved a 62.9% success rate in aerial duels, maintained an impressive 88.3% passing accuracy, and made 142 ball recoveries. Calm on the ball and strong in build-up play, he profiles perfectly as a potential successor and partner to Van Dijk.
Former Liverpool midfielder and German international Didi Hamann has been particularly vocal in his support. Speaking in October 2025, Hamann said: “He’s a natural leader… You don’t know how long Virgil van Dijk is going to be there. The perfect situation would be to bring somebody in who maybe plays with Van Dijk for one or two years and then takes over Van Dijk’s role. I think he’d be a great signing for Liverpool, and a lot of other teams as well.”
While Schlotterbeck has ambitions of winning major silverware with Dortmund — having come close in the DFB-Pokal with Freiburg and the Champions League final with his current club — the presence of a release clause keeps the door ajar for elite suitors. German football legend Lothar Matthäus recently addressed the situation, telling Sky Germany: “It was always about him wanting to take the next step… If Real Madrid comes calling, you want to keep a door open, at least a small crack you can walk through. His heart will be in Dortmund. But he wants to keep that door open.”
With the £52 million clause now active, Liverpool have the green light to pursue a deal that could significantly strengthen their defence for years to come. Schlotterbeck’s blend of physicality, technical ability, and leadership makes him an ideal fit for the Premier League and for Slot’s system. Whether the Reds are prepared to meet the valuation will be one of the key storylines of the upcoming transfer window.