‘Verbal agreement almost done’: Fabrizio Romano drops massive overnight transfer news for Liverpool fans…

‘Verbal agreement nearing completion’: Fabrizio Romano shares significant overnight transfer updates for Liverpool supporters.

Nico Schlotterbeck has not yet approved a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Bundesliga center-back’s representatives have nearly finalized the terms of a new agreement that would keep him at the club until 2031.

Nevertheless, the inclusion of a release clause (effective in 2027) is likely to raise some eyebrows among decision-makers in Madrid and Liverpool.

Nico Schlotterbeck appears increasingly inclined to remain at Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund is reportedly ‘confident’ about retaining Schlotterbeck, who has been linked to Anfield, in Germany for the foreseeable future.

However, the player himself has yet to finalize an agreement that would also provide him with an exit option a year later.

“That verbal agreement between Nico Schlotterbeck’s agency and Borussia Dortmund is nearly finalized – a new contract valid until 2031, with an enhanced salary for Schlotterbeck (one of the top earners at Borussia Dortmund and among the highest-paid defenders in the Bundesliga),” Romano stated on his namesake YouTube channel.

“It will also include a release clause starting in the summer of 2027, exceeding €60m–65m [£52m-56.4m].

“Thus, everything is set to be finalized between Schlotterbeck’s camp and Dortmund. What remains is the final approval from the player. We will see what happens next… Borussia Dortmund is confident in retaining the player.”

In any case, this situation poses a considerable obstacle for both Real Madrid and Arne Slot’s Liverpool, especially as both clubs are believed to be in urgent need of defensive upgrades.

Los Blancos are certainly expected to lose both veteran center-backs, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, this upcoming summer.

What is the status of Liverpool’s interest in Schlotterbeck?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool has not yet expressed serious interest regarding a transfer.

“Liverpool did not submit any formal offer, partly due to their acquisition of Jeremy Jacquet during the January transfer window,” the Italian further explained.

Regardless, with a new contract possibly on the horizon, the Reds would have to make another significant financial investment if they intend to strengthen their centre-back options.

There might be a diminished urgency in that area following Jacquet’s signing in the winter transfer window – although the serious injury to the Frenchman does add some complexity to the situation.

Similarly, the highly regarded Giovanni Leoni is set to return from an ACL injury ahead of the 2026/27 season, and it appears increasingly probable that Ibrahima Konate will fulfill his contract, which expires in June.

In straightforward terms, Liverpool must acquire another centre-back this summer if there is an expectation that this will be the Frenchman’s last season on Merseyside.

We may need to look elsewhere, considering the likely exorbitant price that BVB will demand for their star defender.

On a positive note, if a release clause is indeed in place for next summer, it seems Nico Schlotterbeck is already preparing for a departure from Dortmund in the near future.