TOP DEFENDER NICO SCHLOTTERBECK SNUBS CONTRACT, OPENING DOORS FOR LIVERPOOL MOVE
Liverpool's hopes of signing Nico Schlotterbeck rise as the Dortmund defender stalls on a new contract. The German is frustrated with tactics, putting Reds and Bayern Munich on alert for a 2026 transfer.
Liverpool’s Transfer Hopes Soar - COURTESY/PHOTO
The rumoured refusal of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck to extend his contract at Signal Iduna Park has greatly increased Liverpool's chances of acquiring a new centre-back.
Bild claims that the 25-year-old German international is thinking about leaving the team because he has become more and more irritated with manager Niko Kovač's tactical style.
Schlotterbeck is reportedly dissatisfied with Dortmund's defensive scheme under Kovač, which emphasises a more cautious, risk-averse approach to play.
Schlotterbeck, who has established himself as a ball-playing centre-half who excels in progressive systems, has apparently felt constrained and underappreciated in his current position.
Nico Schlotterbeck is a bonus for Liverpool to sign him.
Several elite European teams, including Liverpool, have taken notice of the player's unwillingness to extend his contract, which is scheduled to expire in the summer of 2027.
Schlotterbeck is viewed by the Reds, who plan to reorganise their defence in 2026, as the perfect player to either support or eventually replace Virgil van Dijk.
The defensive line has been strengthened by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, especially in light of the mounting doubts about Ibrahima Konaté's future.
The Reds are looking at other options because the French defender has not agreed to an agreement and might depart on a free transfer next summer. In addition to Schlotterbeck, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is still a top pick on the team's shortlist.
The German defender is a target for the Reds.
Liverpool will, however, have fierce competition to sign Schlotterbeck. Bayern Munich is also keeping a careful eye on the situation, according to Bild.
According to reports, the Bavarian powerhouses have asked him about his availability, although any domestic transfer could be complicated by the two teams' relationship.
This might be a significant step for Liverpool. Schlotterbeck's predicament offers a unique chance to acquire a seasoned, left-footed defender in his prime, since the team is currently studying Bundesliga players as part of their defensive rebuild.
The Liverpool transfer target speaks up about his future, saying, "My agent is taking care of everything."
LIVERPOOL STAR FEDERICO CHIESA TURNS DOWN INTERNATIONAL DUTY AHEAD OF WORLD CUP 2026
Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso is disappointed as Federico Chiesa rejects another national team call-up. The Liverpool winger hasn't played for the Azzurri in over 18 months, despite Gattuso's efforts to recall him.
Liverpool star says no to international call before 2026 World Cup - Photo Credit: Getty Images
After revealing that Federico Chiesa once again turned down an invitation to join the Italy team for the November internationals, Gennaro Gattuso has made no secret of his disappointment. Despite Gattuso's repeated attempts to reintegrate him into the team, the Liverpool forward, who is still looking for rhythm at the club level, is still not playing for the Azzurri.
The Continuous Absence of Chiesa from Italy Duty
The 28-year-old rejected the most recent invitation to play in World Cup qualifying matches against Moldova and Norway, according to the Italy manager. Since the 2-0 loss to Switzerland at the European Championships over eighteen months ago, just before he joined Liverpool, Chiesa has not played for his nation.
Gattuso clarified that the player had the final say and that their communication remained polite and consistent. "I often chat to him," he stated, as reported by Mail Sport. The choices and issues that each of us faces must be respected. I have to respect what the player tells me, and we are very aware of what we tell one another. I am at a loss for words. "Yes, it is now the fourth or fifth time that I am saying this," he continued when questioned further.
Chiesa's ongoing absence is turning into a noteworthy storyline in Italy because of his background and the necessity for attacking depth on the national team.
Italy Questions, Liverpool Minutes
It is an interesting position from Liverpool's perspective. According to Transfermarkt, the Italian forward has played more under Arne Slot than he did during his rookie campaign, although he has only made two Carabao Cup starts and accrued 344 minutes of action overall.
Inevitably, his inconsistent starts have led to conjecture in Italy. According to reports, Napoli is keeping an eye on his circumstances and would think about bringing him back to Serie A. Such rumours do not seem out of place, especially given Chiesa's unclear future with the national team and his age, where playing time is vital.
It is crucial to remember that he has not given a thorough public explanation for his decision to turn down the contact. It is best to refrain from passing judgment until his physical and personal conditions are clear. According to Gattuso's remarks, the player has his justifications, and the Italy staff is aware of the whole situation.
Maintaining Chiesa's fitness, engagement, and readiness to contribute is Liverpool's top objective. The club has praised his work ethic and dedication despite his limited playing time. He provides a distinct attacking profile that can be useful as the season goes on, provided he stays healthy and committed.
ARNE SLOT UNDER PRESSURE AS LIVERPOOL SLUMP SPARKS ALARM BELLS
Despite a 3-0 loss to Man City and a poor run of form, Arne Slot is unlikely to face a knee-jerk reaction from Liverpool. The Reds are urged to be patient, though Roy Keane has declared it "crisis time."
Arne Slot warned over Liverpool form - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Even though his team's performance has declined, Arne Slot has been informed that Liverpool is unlikely to make any snap decisions about his future. At the Etihad Stadium on Sunday night, the Reds lost badly to Manchester City, losing 3-0.
Despite an earlier missed penalty, City took the lead shortly before the half thanks to a goal from Erling Haaland. After heading home in the 38th minute, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believed he had tied the score, but his goal was controversially disallowed for offside.
With a deflected shot in first-half stoppage time, Nico Gonzalez increased the home team's lead, and Jeremy Doku added the last goal in the second half. Liverpool's hopes of winning the title were severely damaged by the outcome, which was their fifth defeat in their past six Premier League games.
Because of his achievements in his first season at Anfield, Reds head coach Slot continues to enjoy a high level of popularity despite the recent decline. However, considering the team's current performance, Liverpool's significant summer transfer window expenditure of almost £400 million has come under close criticism.
Ben Foster, a former goalkeeper for Manchester United and Wrexham, thinks Liverpool will be patient with Slot despite the pressure he is under and the lacklustre return on investment thus far.
"They are in a pretty horrible position right now where confidence is super low," he stated on his Fozcast podcast, adding, "I just think that mentally, they have approached the game where they know they are not as good as Man City and they have let them dominate."
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"I believe Slot is under pressure because winning the Premier League and spending the kind of money he did requires pressure. However, Liverpool is not the type of team to act rashly. They will not act foolishly.
"They have got world-class players and they should start finding their feet." "I do not know where he is going from here. When you are suffering from confidence and everyone is a little short on energy, you just need to get back to fundamentals."
Former United captain Roy Keane has a completely different opinion from Foster, who is still hopeful that Slot can improve Liverpool's dismal start to the season. It follows the Reds' defeat to City, which dropped them to eighth position in the Premier League standings, eight points behind current leaders Arsenal.
He stated on Sky Sports: "I believe Liverpool is in a crisis right now. They are aware that Man City is a difficult place to visit, that they can be defeated there, and that Man City is beginning to play at its best again. But for a team like Liverpool, losing seven straight and five league games already this season must be a disaster.
"I felt that Liverpool's performance today was absolutely poor. Of course, they still had their times. Despite having that trait, they can still cause issues for teams. However, defensively, they are revealing their objectives and decision-making. That term again: lack of intensity. While they were chopping, altering, and bringing on subs, they appeared quite flat.
"I am aware that Gary [Neville] stated there that although the game was over, the manager was happy with the second half. When you are behind two or three goals and the opposition has slowed down, it is quite simple to play. Following the international break, they have Forest, and Forest is struggling for their life.