According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool eye Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as a viable target to replace Virgil van Dijk in the long run. The Premier League club are even plotting a €50 million offer to land the former player at Anfield.
Nico Schlotterbeck is a promising player
Nico Schlotterbeck started his professional career at SC Freiburg but failed to establish himself there. Hence, he moved to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. At the latter club, he has managed to establish himself well and emerge as an exciting talent.
The German defender featured in 48 games, netting two goals and providing five assists last season. He averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 2.9 clearances per game (stats via whoscored).
Schlotterbeck is versatile enough to play in the centre-back role or take up the full-back roles. He is fast, physically strong, and a good reader of the game. He times his tackles well, intercepts the threats and is a dominating force in aerial duels.
Nico Schlotterbeck has immense potential
Liverpool are willing to tie Virgil van Dijk with a new contract as he remains an important figure within the squad. However, there has been no progress yet and the Dutch defender might fancy accepting a new challenger next summer.
Hence, the Reds cannot afford to sit back and leave it for too late. The club are ready working on bringing a long-term replacement for van Dijk and they see Nico Schlotterbeck as a viable fit.
The 24-year-old has been impressive in recent times and his progress cannot be ignored. His defensive traits are solid and he has the capabilites to play for Liverpool for a long period of time. He is also considered as one of the best defenders when it comes to ball playing abilities.
Hence, the Borussia Dortmund defender can be good signing for the English giant if they are able to get him for €50 million.
