Borussia Dortmund captain Nico Schlotterbeck and Nottingham Forest profile Murillo are at the top of the list! – This while the uncertainty surrounding Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez is only growing.
Today, Wednesday, Liverpool travel to the Chobani Stadium to face Fenerbahçe in the Champions League.
Strengthening the heart of the defence has become an increasingly important part of Liverpool’s long-term planning. With question marks hanging over the futures of both Van Dijk and Gomez, the Reds are looking for defenders who not only win the duels physically – but can also build attacks from deep, cover large spaces and thrive in a possession-heavy system.
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Schlotterbeck and Murillo still have the big goals, but it’s going to come at a cost!
According to the Daily Briefing, Schlotterbeck is still among Liverpool’s top centre-back targets – despite signing a new contract with Dortmund earlier this year. Murillo is also highly valued, along with Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona’s Jules Koundé.
So far, Liverpool have not submitted a formal bid for any of them. The process so far is about scouting, performance analysis and assessing what conditions must form the basis for future negotiations.
Schlotterbeck’s new contract runs until 2031 and reportedly includes a trigger mechanism worth around €50-60 million for selected clubs from the summer of 2027. Outside of these terms, Dortmund have been linked with valuations of over €70 million.
The German international has grown into a leading figure at Dortmund and now wears the captain’s armband. His left foot, ability to penetrate midfield, aggressiveness in duels and aerial strength make him particularly well equipped for Liverpool’s needs.
Murillo represents a different – but equally tempting – alternative.
Two different profiles – the same strategy
The 24-year-old Brazilian is already well proven in the Premier League. He combines explosive recovery speed with aggressive one-on-one defense and the confidence to drive the ball forward from the defensive line.
Nottingham Forest have no plans to let him go in January. His contract runs until 2030, and the club is therefore under little financial pressure – it will take a huge offer before they even reconsider their position.
Both players fit Liverpool’s recruitment strategy, but offer different advantages.
Schlotterbeck is probably the most natural stylistic successor to Van Dijk. He is left-footed, comfortable breaking lines with passes and has developed genuine leadership skills at Dortmund. At 26, he is also approaching the best year of his career – he does not need any more seasons of development.
Murillo is younger and already knows exactly what the Premier League requires. That’s worth something in itself. Liverpool don’t have to wonder if he can handle the pace, physicality and intensity of English football – and his speed would be particularly useful in a system that requires centre-backs to operate high up the pitch.
The challenge with Murillo is the price tag. Forest sold Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for a hefty sum in the summer and therefore have little financial incentive to release another big asset. Their strong contract position means Liverpool could end up paying a significant premium.
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