Iraola Eyes Schlotterbeck as Konate Exit Becomes Reality

Andoni Iraola's summer rebuild at Liverpool could see Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck arrive as the incoming manager's second signing, with Ibrahima Konate's departure now confirmed.

The French defender will depart Anfield on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June, ending months of speculation over his future at the club. Konate has informed his Liverpool teammates there will be no last-minute reversal of this decision, according to reports from the weekend.

The breakdown in negotiations came down to the finer details of contract structure rather than fundamental disagreement on wages or length. Fabrizio Romano outlined how talks had progressed significantly by April, with salary and duration settled. However, the two parties could not find common ground on bonus clauses—specifically how performance-based bonuses for trophy wins and appearance-based incentives would be activated. After weeks of protracted discussions, the deal ultimately collapsed, concluding Konate's five-year tenure at Liverpool.

Schlotterbeck represents a natural successor. The German international, currently at Dortmund, features a release clause valued between €50-60 million, with Liverpool understood to be among a select group of European clubs—including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid—granted access to this mechanism. The Reds have previously maintained dialogue with Schlotterbeck's representatives, and his camp has visited the AXA Training Centre during the current campaign.

Schlotterbeck would form Iraola's second summer addition, following the expected arrival of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, assuming that transfer can be finalised.

The managerial transition itself has drawn mixed reactions. Jamie Carragher acknowledged the shock of Slot's departure but suggested that elite-level operators should have prevented Liverpool's slide last season. The former defender acknowledged recruitment shortcomings while questioning player performances, noting that only Hugo Ekitike among the summer signings truly delivered on the pitch.