Virgil van Dijk’s Successor? Liverpool Target Nico Schlotterbeck
Given the uncertainty surrounding the Dutch captain’s future at Anfield, Liverpool is reportedly considering Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund as a possible replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
CaughtOffside claims that if Van Dijk does not extend his present contract, which expires at the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, Liverpool may make a move for the 24-year-old center-back. According to reports, the Reds are willing to make an offer for Schlotterbeck next summer of about €50 million (£42 million/$54 million).
Van Dijk’s Prospects Are in Doubt
Van Dijk is still a key member of Liverpool, but he recently admitted that talks on a contract extension are still going on, leaving his future at the team in doubt. Van Dijk said, “We will see what happens in the future,” which fueled rumors that Liverpool was already getting ready for a potential future without their lucky defender.
Schlotterbeck, who moved from Freiburg to Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has made a name for himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most dependable defenders. The German international’s defensive strength was demonstrated last season when he claimed the league’s highest tackling success rate of 71%. The 24-year-old is a hot commodity in the forthcoming transfer season because he has a contract with Dortmund through 2027 and is also drawing interest from Newcastle United.
