United set to inflict deadly blow to Liverpool in red-hot race for one of Europe’s best ball-playing defenders – report

Nico Schlotterbeck’s steady rise at Borussia Dortmund hasn’t escaped the attention of Manchester United. The Red Devils are preparing for a changing of the guard in defence, as Harry Maguire is on the wrong side of 30 and out of contract next summer. Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw have been constants in Ruben Amorim’s back three this season, with Maguire and Leny Yoro rotated depending on the opposition. However, with Shaw no longer young and Lisandro Martinez struggling with fitness issues, a new left-sided central defender could be on the club’s agenda in 2026. A rock at the back for Borussia Dortmund A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United have identified Schlotterbeck as an option to strengthen their defence. The German defender has been a rock at the back for Borussia Dortmund in recent years and has registered 10 appearances across competitions this season. Nico Schlotterbeck stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Bundesliga6–11–540′ UEFA Champions League3––––200′ DFB-Pokal1––––120′ Total10–11–860′ Source: TransfermarktHowever, he will enter the final year of his contract next summer, adding to speculation about his future. Liverpool and Barcelona are also in the race, but a recent report has provided an update on the saga that will delight United fans. United favourites for Schlotterbeck According to Fichajes, United are the favourites to sign Schlotterbeck in 2026. The Red Devils have improved their performances this season after investing wisely in attack. However, Amorim’s side have already conceded 19 goals in 11 Premier League games, the joint-most among the top 15 teams in the table. The English giants have reportedly turned to Schlotterbeck to address the issue and have already stepped up their efforts to secure his signature. The Red Devils are banking on their good relationship with Dortmund to win the race for his signature. The 25 year old is a physical defender who is comfortable on the ball and reads the game very well. Schlotterbeck’s ability to play out from the back could also make him a superb fit in the left centre-back role under Amorim. He is yet to enter his prime and is expected to get even better in the coming years. Having proven himself in the Bundesliga, the German defender could also be open to a new challenge in 2026. Should United manage to win this race, it could be a huge boost to INEOS’ efforts to return the club to its heyday. 🇩🇪⚔️ Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund, 25) ◉ Aerial duels won %: 98th percentile◉ Defensive duels won %: 92nd percentile◉ Progressive carries: 91st percentile◉ Progressive passes: 90th percentile◉ Possessions won: 90th percentile No centreback completes more long passes… pic.twitter.com/4iQ7S8vdSD — DataMB (@DataMB_) October 21, 2025 Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.