It is a dramatic stroke that seriously complicates Liverpool's plans. According to Sky Sports Germany, Borussia Dortmund categorically refuses to sell Nico Schlotterbeck this summer. The German club even prepares a mirror extension offer: a doubling of salary (going at 6M €/year) to lock its flagship defender until 2028. A camouflet for the Reds, who were ready to pay 50M € for the 25 -year -old player.
By offering a double salary, the BVB relies on the loyalty of its Taulier. A paid strategy? Schlotterbeck, trained in Friborg, has always affirmed his “love” for the club. The fact remains that Liverpool could try a forcing, knowing that his contract runs until 2026.
Van Dijk-Salah-Arnold: Hemorrhage threatens
Relentless statistics: the German international (19 selections) played 100% of matches this season (36 games). An extraordinary reliability, embellished with 4 assists and a duels rate earned at 63%. Performance that convinced Liverpool to make it the cornerstone of their future defense, especially with the van Dijk uncertainty.
The management of the Reds already anticipates a group departure from its stars: in addition to the rear Batavian, the Mersey club could lose Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian striker will be at the end of the contract this summer and he attracts Saudi Arabia. Trent Alexander-Arnold (25), also free in a few months, negotiates foot on your way. A triple possibility that obliges Liverpool to act quickly … but the Schlotterbeck file takes water.
And now for Reds?
Arne Slot, the manager, must find an alternative. The names of Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP) and António Silva (Benfica) circulate. In the meantime, the urgency is to relaunch the team after the disappointment in Carabao Cup (2-1 defeat against Newcastle), before the shock against Everton.
One certainty: the summer transfer window promises to be explosive in Anfield. And each misstep could be expensive.
