soccer

Liverpool can activate Schlotterbeck’s €60 million release clause this summer

Yahoo Sports

Liverpool can activate Schlotterbeck’s €60 million release clause this summer Liverpool are one of three clubs that can activate the release clause in Nico Schlotterbeck’s new contract with Borussia Dortmund, according to Bild . The Reds are reportedly on the trail of the German defender as they look to bolster their faltering rearguard this summer. Liverpool likely thought they had missed out on the 26-year-old when he signed a contract extension with BVB.

However, it turns out there is a release clause of around €50-60 million, allowing him to leave this summer. It reportedly expires at the end of the 2026 World Cup. Liverpool and Real Madrid can activate the clause, but Bayern Munich cannot.

Leveraging this clause, Liverpool can still snap up Schlotterbeck , who is understood to be a candidate to succeed Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield. Schlotterbeck has caught the eye with his performances this season, winning 64 percent of his aerial and 62% of his ground duels in the Bundesliga. He has helped his side keep nine clean sheets in 23 appearances.

His ability to break lines with his passing is outstanding. Schlotterbeck is a natural-born leader, the type Liverpool need to take the reins from Van Dijk when he eventually moves on. Despite signing a new deal, he is still widely expected to leave Germany this summer, which is why he was booed in his last outing for BVB.

For Liverpool, this is a gamble worth taking. Schlotterbeck ticks too many boxes to ignore. He is physically dominant, progressive in possession, and already showing leadership traits at the highest level.