Long-time Liverpool target admits he could be Slot's wildcard solution

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 27 Sept 2025 17:19 BST
  • 4 min read
Arne Slot, Liverpool, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Long-time Liverpool target Nico Schlotterbeck has admitted that he could leave Borussia Dortmund if they fail to match his ambitions.

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The Germany international returned to the pitch after a lengthy injury lay-off last weekend and immediately put in a convincing performance as Dortmund defeated Wolfsburg.

Schlotterbeck is one of BVB's most important players. In addition to being a classy centre-back, the 25-year-old is among the most respected players in the dressing room and one of the club's three captains.

Current ETV
Player image Nico Schlotterbeck 
Nico Schlotterbeck 

D (C)

Dortmund logo

Dortmund

Nico Schlotterbeck 
Nico Schlotterbeck 

D (C)

Dortmund

Dortmund

€35.6M

ETV Range

€32.1M - €39.2M

Given his importance, sorting out his future has been a priority for club chiefs for some time. Schlotterbeck's current contract expires in 2027, and he has consistently attracted interest from big-name suitors in recent years.

Liverpool are long-standing admirers of Schlotterbeck, and fresh links won't be long in coming if he can manage to get back to his best after his injury. After all, the Reds are in the market for a centre-back.

Schlotterbeck on potential Dortmund exit

Following his return to the pitch, Schlotterbeck has now given an interview to WAZ in which he discussed his contract situation and his future. "BVB will always be my first point of contact, and then we will have to see what happens in the coming weeks and months," he began.

However, Schlotterbeck then admitted that Dortmund's performances this season will be a key factor in his decision. "Of course, it's a big difference if you are 11th in March [like last season], which is not my standard, or if you're playing Champions League like this season."

Nico Schlotterbeck
© IMAGO - Nico Schlotterbeck

The defender insists that he's 'happy' at Dortmund, but he is clearly not entirely opposed to the idea of joining a bigger club. It remains to be seen if he will become an option for Liverpool again. For now, his priority is to play regularly again.

The Reds are being linked with the likes of Marc Guehi, Ronald Araujo and Dayot Upamecano. Compared to these big names, Schlotterbeck would be something of a wildcard, but he has shown in the past that he can compete at a very high level.

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