Andoni Iraola gave Liverpool a big surprise as an unexpected player says they want to join Real Madrid.
Liverpool fans have had a rollercoaster couple of days with news from the transfer window. Unfortunately, their chances of signing one of their top targets might have taken a hit, as that player seems set on joining Real Madrid instead.
On Wednesday night, Liverpool announced their first signing under new manager Andoni Iraola: Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz. The 22-year-old chose Liverpool over Newcastle United after the Reds triggered his €40m (£34.5m) release clause.
But just a day later, it was confirmed that former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will be leaving at the end of his contract to join Real Madrid on a four-year deal. Konate had talks to stay with Liverpool but decided to follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps by moving to Spain.
Now, it looks like Liverpool face another setback as Real Madrid are reportedly also interested in signing top defensive target Nico Schlotterbeck. The 26-year-old Borussia Dortmund defender is seen as a great option to replace Konate or Virgil van Dijk.
Schlotterbeck renewed his Dortmund contract in April but apparently has a release clause between €50m-€60m that can be activated by certain clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, until the World Cup final on July 19.
However, reports suggest Schlotterbeck would prefer to join Real Madrid and reunite with Germany teammate Antonio Rudiger. Real’s manager José Mourinho wants to add another top centre-back this summer, even after signing Konate.
If Schlotterbeck moves to Madrid, he’ll join new signings like Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Marc Cucurella at the club.
During the World Cup, Rudiger praised Schlotterbeck, saying, “Nico is always a threat, especially on set pieces. He’s aggressive, strong in duels, and his left foot is gold.” Rudiger also spoke positively about the possibility of fellow Dortmund and Germany player Felix Nmecha joining Real Madrid, welcoming good players to the team.
So while Liverpool have made a promising start to the transfer window, they might have to work hard to keep their defensive targets amid Real Madrid’s competition.