Context includes recent big-money signings and ongoing questions about Liverpool’s defensive depth and future transfer strategy.

Dietmar Hamann urged Liverpool to target Schlotterbeck, praising his leadership, ball progressiveness, and pace to defend large spaces.

If Schlotterbeck is a top priority, it would fit Liverpool’s history of decisive centre-back recruitment alongside van Dijk and Konate.

Diomande is noted as a strong defensive, ball-playing option, offering a smart fallback if primary targets fall through.

Liverpool previously attempted to recruit Marc Guehi; the failure increases urgency to act in January or next summer depending on availability and valuation.

Liverpool have identified Nico Schlotterbeck as a new defensive target after Giovanni Leoni’s ligament injury, with Schlotterbeck previously linked as a potential option.

Konate’s contract situation remains unresolved, with a 2026 expiry and links to Real Madrid that complicate defensive planning.

Schlotterbeck has delayed signing a new Dortmund deal, signaling ambition and opening a potential path to Anfield, though any move would require clarity on role, project, and pathway to silverware.

Liverpool face a critical upcoming test at Manchester City, a match that could influence their title defense depending on the result.

Any decision will depend on internal options, transfer feasibility, and whether Schlotterbeck fits Klopp’s system amid a congested fixture schedule.

Bayern Munich are also pursuing Schlotterbeck, adding competition and urgency to Liverpool’s pursuit.

Schlotterbeck, 25, has 132 Dortmund appearances and 22 Germany caps, viewed as a potential long-term partner or successor for van Dijk.