Liverpool Eye Schlotterbeck and Murillo in Defensive Rebuild

Liverpool identify Schlotterbeck and Murillo as leading centre-back targets

Liverpool are advancing plans for a significant refresh at centre-back, with Borussia Dortmund captain Nico Schlotterbeck and Nottingham Forest defender Murillo among the leading names under consideration. The process remains focused on monitoring, analysis and groundwork rather than active bidding, according to a report from Caught Offside.

Primary targets: Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) and Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Stage: Scouting and analysis; no formal offers submitted for either player
Reason: Uncertainty over futures of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez
Schlotterbeck contract: Runs until 2031, with a €50-60million release mechanism for selected clubs from summer 2027
Murillo stance: Nottingham Forest have no intention of allowing him to leave in January

Why Liverpool are targeting centre-backs now

Strengthening the heart of the defence has become an important part of Liverpool's long-term planning as uncertainty grows around the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. The need feels strategic rather than urgent, but it is plainly forming an important part of recruitment thinking.

Liverpool's preference is understood to centre on defenders who can handle the physical demands of elite football while also thriving in a system that asks plenty in possession. According to the report, the Reds want defenders who can not only cope physically but also build attacks from deep, defend large spaces and operate comfortably in a possession-heavy system. Both Schlotterbeck and Murillo meet that profile in different ways.

Deal details

Liverpool have not submitted a formal offer for either Schlotterbeck or Murillo. The process remains centred on scouting, performance analysis and assessing the conditions that would be required for future negotiations.

Schlotterbeck recently committed his future to Dortmund, with his contract now running until 2031. The report notes a release mechanism worth around €50-60million for selected clubs from summer 2027. Outside that framework, Dortmund are said to value him at more than €70million.

Murillo represents a different but equally appealing option. The 24-year-old is already proven in the Premier League and combines explosive recovery pace with aggressive one-on-one defending and confidence carrying or passing the ball out from the back. Any deal would be difficult, however. Nottingham Forest have no intention of allowing him to leave in January and, with a contract until 2030, they hold a very strong position. Liverpool would need to test that resolve with a major proposal, and there is no indication they are close to doing so yet.

Long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk in focus

The central thread in all of this is succession planning. Both players fit Liverpool's recruitment strategy, but they offer different advantages. Schlotterbeck is viewed as the more natural stylistic heir, while Murillo brings certainty in English football and recovery speed that would suit a high line. As the report puts it, Liverpool are looking for a long-term Van Dijk replacement.

Why Schlotterbeck fits the profile better than Murillo

Nico Schlotterbeck is described as a leader with left-footed distribution, ability to step into midfield, aggression in duels and aerial presence. Those traits matter enormously in a side that wants to control games from deep, and his left-sided balance would make him a natural successor to Virgil van Dijk. The German's contract until 2031 and the €70million-plus valuation reflect both quality and importance, but the release mechanism from 2027 provides a potential route.

Murillo, meanwhile, offers a different route. Premier League experience removes a layer of risk, and his explosive recovery pace would allow Liverpool to stay aggressive without leaving huge vulnerabilities behind them. His familiarity with English football is a real asset, but Forest's strong negotiating position makes a January deal highly unlikely.

The concern with Murillo is obvious: price. Forest are under no pressure, and overpaying can distort the whole market around a squad rebuild. That probably makes Schlotterbeck feel more realistic in the medium term, even with Dortmund's strong negotiating position.

What stands out most is that Liverpool appear to be looking for more than a defender. They are looking for the next organiser, the next presence, the next player who can shape the line for years. That is the right approach. Replacing a figure like Van Dijk should never be treated as a quick fix; it should be treated as one of the defining decisions of the next cycle.

Talking points

Is Schlotterbeck worth waiting for? His €50-60million release clause only becomes active in 2027 – can Liverpool afford to wait that long given Van Dijk's uncertain future?
Should Liverpool pay over the odds for Murillo? Forest hold all the cards with a contract until 2030, but his Premier League experience could be priceless.
Is Joe Gomez part of the long-term plan? The report mentions uncertainty over his future too – does that mean Liverpool need two new centre-backs, not one?
Would Murillo suit a high line? His recovery pace is a major asset, but is he disciplined enough tactically for a possession-heavy system?

What happens next

Liverpool will continue to monitor both players, with no formal offer expected imminently. The January transfer window represents the earliest opportunity for a move, but Forest's stance on Murillo makes a mid-season deal unlikely. Dortmund's valuation of Schlotterbeck at over €70million means any approach before 2027 would require a club-record fee for a defender. The next few months will reveal whether Liverpool's interest intensifies or whether they turn to alternative targets.

Frequently asked questions

Have Liverpool made an offer for Nico Schlotterbeck or Murillo?

No. The report states that Liverpool have not submitted a formal offer for either player; the process remains centred on scouting, performance analysis and assessing the conditions required for future negotiations.

Will Nottingham Forest sell Murillo in January?

Nottingham Forest have no intention of allowing Murillo to leave in January, according to the report, and with a contract until 2030 they hold a very strong position.

What is Nico Schlotterbeck's release clause?

The report notes a release mechanism worth around €50-60million for selected clubs from summer 2027. Outside that framework, Dortmund value him at more than €70million.