Liverpool identify Nico Schlotterbeck

Van Dijk and Gomez meanwhile are due to leave the club in 2027 when their contracts expire so long-term there is an uncertain picture developing.

Giovanni Leoni will be among the first-team options when he returns from injury but the Premier League champions need an outstanding prime talent to come in and hit the ground running.

We could see a move for Nico Schlotterbeck in 2026 according to a new report in TEAMtalk which claims talks have begun with the German international over a potential deal.

Schlotterbeck, 26, has been sensational since leaving Freiburg for Borussia Dortmund back in 2022 – appearing in last season’s German footballers’ team of the year.

Liverpool make contact with Schlotterbeck

He is a 23-cap German international too – and is set to spark a bidding war for his signature next summer.

That’s because the left-footer is out of contract in 2027 and fears in Dortmund are growing that their star defender won’t sign a new deal.

“Contact has been made with Liverpool, who have been on his trail for more than 12 months,” the report reads before adding the player could move for £50m.

Schlotterbeck – given his status as a left-sided defender – would likely replace Van Dijk in the long term.