Liverpool are on the brink of a major summer overhaul that could reshape Arne Slot’s squad for years to come.
The Reds have already secured one young centre-back in Jeremy Jacquet and are now accelerating talks for a proven, high-class defender to bolster their backline. At the same time, Mohamed Salah’s long and illustrious Anfield chapter appears to be heading towards a dramatic close.
Schlotterbeck to follow Jacquet?
Liverpool have opened serious negotiations for Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, and the latest reports suggest they are making strong progress.
According to El Desmarque, Dortmund have all but conceded defeat in their efforts to keep the Germany international. The 26-year-old has no intention of signing a new contract, which runs until 2027, and the Bundesliga club are preparing to cash in while they can still command a premium fee.
Dortmund’s valuation sits at around €70m (£61m), and Liverpool are pushing hard to get a deal over the line. With Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain and potentially heading for a free exit, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes view Schlotterbeck as the ideal left-footed, ball-playing partner for Virgil van Dijk.
The German has been one of Europe’s most consistent centre-backs, and landing him would represent a statement signing as Liverpool look to maintain their title-challenging squad depth.
READ MORE: Stunning £61m Liverpool signing advances as selling club ‘gives up’
Salah’s last dance at Anfield?
While defensive reinforcements are incoming, the biggest story could be the potential departure of their star forward.
According to The Mirror, Mohamed Salah is now warming to the idea of a summer exit and is ready to engage with Saudi Pro League clubs. With just one year left on his current deal, a move could suit all parties — Liverpool would secure a significant transfer fee for a player in his mid-30s, while Salah could dramatically boost his earnings.
Reports from FootMercato indicate that talks have already begun with Al-Ittihad, and the Egyptian could treble his current £400,000-a-week wages, potentially earning up to £1.2m per week in the Middle East.
Salah’s form this season has been below his sky-high standards (just four Premier League goals and five assists), and a reported spat with Slot late in 2025 highlighted tensions over his role. His reduced defensive contribution has also become more noticeable as the team evolves under the new manager.
A parting of the ways feels increasingly likely — one last big payday for the Egyptian King and a chance for Liverpool to reinvest in the squad.
READ MORE: Mo Salah to land £187m personal jackpot as disgruntled Liverpool star ‘opens talks’ after picking next club – report
Strange Diomande update
Liverpool’s summer plans are not without complications. Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri has revealed a curious roadblock in their pursuit of RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande.
The 19-year-old Ivorian winger has openly declared his desire to join the Reds and would represent a long-term upgrade on the left flank. Leipzig are holding out for a colossal €100m (£87m), but money has rarely been an obstacle for FSG when they truly want a player.
However, Tavolieri reported on X that Liverpool are currently holding off on pushing the deal forward due to a complex personal situation:
“EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool are holding off on Yan Diomande! The Reds have been made aware of a valid contract (running until December 2027) between the Ivorian and the agency he left for Roc Nation. The contract is legally registered with the English FA. Yan Diomande is also reported to have assigned his image rights to his former agency — a fundamental prerequisite, without which it is impossible to negotiate his contract with LFC. A deadlock that is forcing Liverpool to wait until the personal situation is resolved before moving forward…”
It’s a rare administrative hurdle for a club as well-run as Liverpool, but one they are taking seriously before committing to such a major investment.
If Liverpool successfully land Schlotterbeck, wave goodbye to Salah, and eventually resolve the Diomande situation, this summer could mark the beginning of a bold new chapter under Arne Slot.
The departure of a club legend like Salah would sting, but the arrival of top-quality, younger talent could ensure the Reds remain at the very top of English and European football for the next decade.
Anfield is shaking — and the transfer window hasn’t even officially opened yet.
What do you make of these developments? Could Schlotterbeck be the perfect successor in defence? Would you be gutted to see Salah leave for Saudi riches? Let us know in the comments.