The January transfer window is shaping up to be a crucial period for Liverpool, particularly in light of a significant setback with the injury of young centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a devastating ACL injury. This unfortunate development has sparked discussions about the need for defensive reinforcements at the club.
The absence of Leoni emphasizes the missed opportunity for Liverpool during the summer transfer window when they failed to secure Marc Guehi, who is now considered a target for prestigious teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as a possible free transfer. With increased competition for Guehi, Liverpool’s defensive strategy appears more urgent than ever.
In response to these challenges, Liverpool’s recruitment team is diligently exploring alternative options, with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck emerging as a strong candidate. Reports suggest that Liverpool has engaged in discussions with representatives of the German international, and the conversations have been positive.
Schlotterbeck, who has made an impression since his €30 million transfer from Freiburg in 2023, is recognized for his strong defensive capabilities combined with proficient passing skills. His statistics reflect an impressive performance level with 1.84 tackles and 1.44 blocks per 90 minutes, placing him among the top percentile of defenders in Europe. In addition, his ability to contribute offensively with over eight progressive passes per game aligns well with the modern demands of a centre-back.
Since joining Dortmund, Schlotterbeck has quickly become one of Europe’s most complete defenders, amassing over 100 appearances and earning 20 caps for the German national team. However, his current club is also aware of the interest surrounding him and is reportedly planning to offer an enhanced contract with significantly improved wages, hinting at their desire to retain his services well into the future.
As Liverpool explores various player options to bolster its defense, the situation remains fluid, with talks in the early stages. This transfer window could usher in a new chapter for the club, not just addressing immediate concerns but also shaping its future defensive line.