'Almost done': Fabrizio Romano says there's only one reason Liverpool did not move for Nico Schlotterbeck
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Liverpool reportedly chose not to send an official bid for Nico Schlotterbeck, leading the centre-back to commit his future to Borussia Dortmund.The Reds had been heavily linked with Schlotterbeck as they weigh up whether or not to bring in a replacement for Ibrahima Konate this summer.The German could have provided an instant option to Arne Slot’s starting XI, but now looks set to extend his stay at Dortmund instead. You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it?
Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones And according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool‘s decision not to get involved in any deal for Schlotterbeck is a direct result of the Reds already tying up a move for Jeremy Jacquet.Liverpool opted for Jacquet over SchlotterbeckThere does, of course remain a chance that Konate extends his contract and stays at Anfield beyond this summer.With Jacquet already confirmed to be joining, Romano suggested that Liverpool will wait and see whether they need another centre-back, which is why a concrete move for Schlotterbeck never materialised.“Nico Schlotterbeck is closing in on a new contract with Borussia Dortmund, it’s almost done,” the journalist told his YouTube channel on Sunday. Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool slowly walking into another centre-back crisis after frustrating Fabrizio Romano update“It’s including a release clause, not for summer 2026, but for summer 2027 in excess of 65 million Euros.”“Real Madrid have been interested for some time, but never sent any official proposal.
Liverpool never sent any official proposal also because they signed Jeremy Jacquet in the summer transfer window.”Analysis: Madrid and Liverpool waiting on KonateAlthough the addition of Jacquet is a good reason for Liverpool not to have pulled the trigger on Schlotterbeck, the real key figure of this story is Konate.With Real Madrid also opting not to go strong for the Dortmund man, their reasoning could also be linked to Liverpool’s No. It's going to be a LOT less than last year 😬 Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images If Konate is leaving the Reds, Madrid could well be his next destination, meaning another new centre-back will not be needed for Los Blancos.At Liverpool, that would mean another defender does need to join Jacquet in coming through the door.Given the lack of movement on a top talent like Schlotterbeck, the suggestion remains that nobody actually knows what will happen with Konate just yet.The Frenchman’s decision could change everything for both Liverpool and Real, and may lead to collective regret over not pushing harder for one of Europe’s best centre-backs.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox