Liverpool plotting shock January transfer move for Germany star. An injury has forced Liverpool to enter the transfer race…

Liverpool is considering a surprising transfer for a German star this January.

Reports from Germany indicate that Liverpool has joined the competition to acquire Nico Schlotterbeck, viewing the Borussia Dortmund player as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

Since moving from SC Freiburg to Dortmund in 2022, Schlotterbeck has made a name for himself as one of the most coveted and respected defenders in German football.

At 25 years old, he is also a regular member of the national team under Julian Nagelsmann and is likely to secure a spot in Germany’s World Cup squad, provided they qualify for the upcoming tournament in North America.

Despite Schlotterbeck’s impressive performances for both his club and country, there is increasing speculation regarding his future, with top European clubs beginning to show interest.

According to the German newspaper Bild, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester City are all in the mix as Schlotterbeck hesitates over a potential contract extension with Dortmund.

The defender is eager to consistently compete for major titles and is reportedly ‘gambling on the interest’ from elite clubs, having yet to secure any trophies with BVB.

The report indicates that Liverpool is the latest club to ‘join the poker game,’ and it is becoming ‘increasingly difficult’ to envision Dortmund retaining the centre-back beyond this season.

Liverpool is bracing for a future without Ibrahima Konate, who will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.

It is suggested that the reigning Premier League champions see Schlotterbeck as a ‘long-term replacement’ for club captain Virgil van Dijk, whose contract runs until 2027.

Giovanni Leoni’s severe knee injury, which could sideline the young Italian for up to a year, may prompt Liverpool to consider a bid for Schlotterbeck during the January transfer window.

However, it is reported that Dortmund’s management has firmly ruled out any transfer for Schlotterbeck midway through the season.

Schlotterbeck’s existing contract is valid until June 2027, and BVB is eager to extend the Germany international’s stay for an additional three years, aiming for 2030.

However, prior to Dortmund’s recent Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao, Schlotterbeck remarked: ‘I won’t be extending my contract anytime soon!’

On the other hand, BVB sporting director Lars Ricken emphasized that the club would ‘honor’ whatever plans Schlotterbeck has for his future.

‘It is entirely his prerogative to carefully consider his future. We respect that,’ Ricken stated to Bild.

‘I believe the emphasis should be on vision, trust, and conviction rather than salary.

‘We won’t rush this process. However, we also don’t want to prolong it indefinitely. Everyone understands that.’