Liverpool in new transfer setback after Marc Guehi meeting as exit ‘confirmed’ for defender

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, but the Reds may have now been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the German international

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck may have taken a fresh hit. Previous reports have suggested that the defender was on Liverpool’s radar as they go in search of a new centre-half.

However, it seems the Reds will now face a tough fight to prise the 25-year-old away from Dortmund, as the German side reportedly plan to make Schlotterbeck their poster boy. It was earlier suggested by German outlet Sport BILD that Liverpool were ready to table a bid of €50million (£41.7m) for his services.

And now, Ruhr Nachrichten have provided an update which says his team-mate Niklas Sule’s tenure at Dortmund will conclude when his contract runs out in the summer of 2026. It appears that the Black and Yellows have already decided against extending the 30-year-old defender’s contract. Sule’s impending exit would then likely complicate any possible departure for Schlotterbeck.

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Sule’s departure would free up some funds on Dortmund’s wage bill, potentially allowing them to offer their star centre-back a new contract – thereby fending off interest from Liverpool and other clubs.

This is a setback for Liverpool, who have already suffered a blow in their pursuit of top centre-back target Marc Guehi.

The Crystal Palace defender was close to a move to Anfield at the end of the summer transfer window, but the Reds failed to finalise the deal.

Liverpool now find themselves in a helpless position regarding their pursuit of Guehi.

From January onwards, overseas clubs will be able to begin pre-contract negotiations with the Palace skipper, whilst the Reds and other English sides must wait until May when he enters his final month, unless a January fee can be agreed.

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg also reports that Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl recently met with Guehi’s representative Gordon Stipic.

The German giants have entered the race for the England international’s signature, though they face stiff competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Guehi is reportedly amongst Bayern’s ‘top targets’ should Dayot Upamecano decide against extending his expiring contract. Any Bayern move for the Palace defender could also depend on whether Kim Min-jae departs.

Earlier this month, Oliver Glasner confirmed Guehi – who was part of the Palace side that won 3-0 at Anfield against Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night – has informed Selhurst Park officials he won’t be renewing his deal.

The Palace manager told reporters last week: “I think Marc has already told us that he doesn’t sign a new contract, so he will leave next year.

“The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, ‘no, I want to make something different’. And that’s normal.

“And for us, it’s how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that’s all about how we are talking together.”

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