DOHA, QATAR - Wednesday, November 23, 2022: Germany's Nico Schlotterbeck during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool “definitely like” Nico Schlotterbeck – as Dortmund admit stalled contract talks

A reputable Merseyside journalist has claimed Liverpool “definitely like” Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, and the defender’s sporting director has spoken about their stalled contract talks.

Due to Giovanni Leoni‘s long-term injury absence, Liverpool’s links to centre-backs have ramped up in recent weeks.

Schlotterbeck is the most heavily rumoured target at the moment, with Merseyside journalist David Lynch now telling Sports Mole that “he is someone they definitely do like and have watched.”

This comes after DaveOCKOP claimed positive talks have taken place with the centre-back’s representatives.

Over in Germany, Bild are reporting that Liverpool “primarily see Schlotterbeck as a long-term successor to defensive star Virgil van Dijk.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 7, 2023: Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, almost lost in the yellow smoke, during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg game between Chelsea FC and Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won 2-0, 2-1 on aggregate. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The German paper’s journalist, Yannick Huber, added that “it’s becoming increasingly difficult for Dortmund to keep him” but a January move has been “ruled out.”

Speaking to Bild, Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken said:

“It is his absolute right to plan his future carefully.

“We respect that and I believe that salary is not the most important factor, but rather perspective, trust and conviction.

“We won’t rush into things, but of course, we don’t want to drag it out indefinitely. Everyone is aware of that.”

Schlotterbeck’s contract is currently set to expire in 2027 and Dortmund want to extend. However, the 25-year-old has so far refused to commit his future at the Westfalenstadion.

At the moment, he is valued at £60 million – that’s going off a Sky Sport Switzerland report from the summer.

 

Why are Liverpool interested in Nico Schlotterbeck?

One of the attributes that has put him above other centre-halves is his ability on the ball.

Having also played at left-back and in holding midfield during his career, the Bundesliga man is very adept at bringing the ball out of defence and playing incisive passes.

His 8.21 progressive passes per 90 minutes over the last year (FBRef) is a figure not even Van Dijk, known for his calmness on the ball, can match. In fact, it places him in the top one percent of comparable top-five league players.

This ability in possession is something for which Arne Slot has publicly praised Van Dijk and is a reason Ibrahima Konate may not be deemed a good long-term fit.

In comparison to the Frenchman, Schlotterbeck is far better with the ball at his feet.

In the air, Schlotterbeck is competitive but not quite as tall as Konate or Van Dijk, coming in just a few centimetres shorter at 6’2″

He is, however, taller than Marc Guehi by about nine centimetres.

While it is always difficult to tell how a player will adapt when moving to the Premier League, there is no reason why Schlotterbeck, who has 22 Germany caps, couldn’t be a success for Liverpool.

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