Liverpool transfer target could be out of World Cup with serious injury — 'It's not looking good'
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Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsTransfersBorussia Dortmund centerback Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a potentially serious injury for Germany at the 2026 World Cup to a potentially throw a wrench in Liverpool's transfer plansNico Schlotterbeck suffered a ligament injury at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool could be in the market for a center back this summer, despite already recruiting French teenager Jeremy Jacquet in the winter window, to replace the outgoing Ibrahima Konate.A popular target is Borussia Dortmund and Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The 26-year-old recently signed a new contract through 2031 but has a release clause available to three teams, including the Reds.However, Schiotterbeck suffered a ligament injury while representing his national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday in a 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast.
The German defender was substituted by coach Julian Nagelsmann, initially deemed a tactical decision, but later revealed to be an injury precaution.“Nico is suspected to have sustained a ligament injury. He was replaced on Saturday by Antonio Rudiger.Nico Schlotterbeck has started both 2026 World Cup games for Germany(Image: Getty Images)In May, Sky Sports' German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg tweeted an encouraging message to Liverpool fans.“The fee is around €50-60 million [for Schlotterbeck]," he wrote.
According to @M_Wessing, it expires around the time of the World Cup final (19 July)."Nico Schlotterbeck moved to BVB in 2022(Image: Getty Images)The problem for Liverpool: Real Madrid, a constant thorn for the Reds both on the pitch and in the transfer market, is another team Schlotterbeck is interested in.Liverpool's depth in central defense is questionable next to captain Virgil van Dijk, who admittedly seemed a step off last campaign.2025 summer signing Giovanni Leoni played just a single game before tearing his ACL last September. Now a German national team mainstay, a move to the Premier League could make sense to further increase his profile.He wasn't the only player in and around the 2026 German World Cup squad with injury concerns.