Negotiations are not going as Liverpool had envisioned. Talks with Mohamed Salah have dragged on, discussions with Trent Alexander-Arnold are proving difficult, and there is still no final agreement with Virgil van Dijk.With summer approaching, all three players have been free to negotiate with other clubs since January and listen to offers, forcing Anfield to start considering alternatives. One of the key questions is: who comes after Virgil van Dijk?Virgil van Dijk has played 115 games for Liverpool at Anfield in his Premier League career.He’s tasted defeat there just three times… 😳 pic.twitter.com/on3tuSkKWf— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 9, 2025 Regardless of whether he renews his contract, the club must plan for the future. The Dutchman is 33 years old—not exactly in his prime—though he could still play at a high level for some time if his fitness holds up. However, Liverpool needs to strengthen its defense and find a younger option.According to Bild, the Reds have set their sights on Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool is closely monitoring the German center-back, who is on their wishlist. He could either replace Van Dijk if he doesn’t sign a new deal or complement the defensive lineup alongside Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and young Jarell Quansah.🚨 Liverpool have added Nico Schlotterbeck to their list of centre-back targets for the summer ❤️🇩🇪The Reds would be ready to spend more than €50M. 🤑(Source: @cfbayern ) pic.twitter.com/2gZNguiGyF— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 11, 2025 Arne Slot is looking to expand his defensive rotation, and Schlotterbeck fits into his plans. However, he is also in Dortmund’s long-term vision. The pull of Anfield is tempting, but Schlotterbeck has settled at Signal Iduna Park, and Dortmund is already working on keeping him. The club is prepared to offer him a new contract with significantly improved terms. Currently earning 5 million euros per season, he could see his wages rise to between 10 million and 14 million, along with the added honor of becoming the team’s captain. Dortmund sees him as a key figure for the club’s future.If Schlotterbeck refuses the new deal and expresses a desire to move to Liverpool in pursuit of silverware—since he has yet to win a major club trophy—the English club will have to dig deep. Borussia Dortmund is likely to demand more than 50 million for his transfer, as the defender remains under contract until the summer of 2027, giving the German side leverage in negotiations.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16Second legTuesday20.45: (1.40) Barcelona (5.30) Benfica (8.00)23.00: (1.35) Inter Milan (4.90) Feyenoord (9.50)23.00: (3.05) Bayer Leverkusen (3.45) Bayern Munich (2.30)23.00: (2.30) Liverpool (3.60) PSG (3.20)Wednesday20.45: (2.85) Lille (3.35) Dortmund (2.65)23.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.80) PSV (9.00)23.00: (1.62) Aston Villa (3.90) Club Brugge (5.60)23.00: (2.60) Atl. Madrid (3.50) Real Madrid (2.85)***odds are subject to change***
