Liverpool plotting €50 million move for Bundesliga defender amid Virgil van Dijk uncertainty: Reports
Liverpool have identified Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as a possible replacement for Virgil van Dijk, according to Caught Offside. The Dutch defender is in the final year of his contract with the Reds and is yet to sign an extension.
Van Dijk has been key to the Merseyside club's rise under Jurgen Klopp in the past decade. The 33-year-old joined Liverpool in January 2018, and the rest, as they say in history.
Virgil van Dijk developed into one of the best defenders in the world at Anfield and achieved tremendous success with the Reds. He helped them win the Premier League for the first time in the 2019-20 campaign since 2007.
The Dutchman also won the Champions League and the FA Cup, among others, with the Merseyside club. While Liverpool would prefer for him to continue his stay at Anfield, they are also laying down succession plans for the future.
The English giants have identified Schlotterbeck as the ideal candidate to fill Van Dijk's shoes. The 6'2" German defender has been rock solid at the back for Borussia Dortmund in recent times.
Schlotterbeck has appeared 96 times for the Bundesliga club so far and is also an established figure with the German national team. Liverpool are apparently willing to offer €50m for his services to convince Dortmund.
The Reds are also preparing to hand the 24-year-old €7m in wages. However, the Merseyside club will face competition from Newcastle United for the German defender. Schlotterbeck's contract at the Signal Iduna Park runs until 2027.
Can Liverpool win the Premier League this season?
Liverpool appointed Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's successor this summer. The Dutch manager has enjoyed a sizzling start to his Anfield tenure, winning nine of his ten games in charge so far.
The Merseyside club are leading the Premier League title race after seven games, with six wins to their name. Their only defeat this season came at the hands of Nottingham Forest in the league at home last month.
The Reds are a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City and could have a golden opportunity to win the Premier League this season. The Citizens lost Rodri to an ACL injury last month and he isn't expected to play again this season.
The Spanish midfielder has been indispensable for the Cityzens in recent seasons and his absence could be a big blow for Pep Guardiola. Manchester City, however, could dive into the market in January to sign a replacement.