Liverpool has endured three straight losses in all competitions this season. They missed out on signing Guéï at the last moment in the summer window, Konaté’s commitment lies with Madrid, and the new 18-year-old Italian defender Leoni is sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury. This has weakened Liverpool’s backline, and with Van Dijk at 34 years old, the team must quickly identify his successor.
According to the latest report from German media outlet Bild, Liverpool has identified Borussia Dortmund’s 25-year-old German defender Nico Schlotterbeck as Van Dijk’s heir. Initial talks have taken place, and detailed negotiations are expected soon. Schlotterbeck is unhappy with Dortmund’s transfer offers, and given Dortmund’s inconsistency in the title race and his desire for greater honors, the 25-year-old defender, who will enter the final year of his contract next summer, is ready to leave the club.
Journalist Falk’s follow-up report states that Liverpool is expected to soon negotiate Schlotterbeck’s transfer with Borussia Dortmund, but faces competition from major clubs Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Schlotterbeck is currently 25 years old, stands 1.91 meters tall, is a left-footed center-back, and valued at €40 million on Transfermarkt. This German defender is regarded by fans and media as Dortmund’s best player. If he joins Liverpool successfully, he will have a companion in Wirtz, with both motivating and growing together at Anfield.