Liverpool are reportedly advancing in their pursuit of a new centre-back, with increasing optimism about reaching an agreement on the transfer fee. This potential signing, however, might indicate the start of Virgil van Dijk’s departure from the club.
Since joining Liverpool from Southampton for £75 million in early 2018, Van Dijk has exceeded expectations. He played a crucial role in ending Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a top-flight title, securing the Champions League, and leading the team to two additional finals.
Despite being 33 years old, Van Dijk is still considered one of the top defenders in the world. However, his future at Liverpool remains uncertain.
With Van Dijk’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, he has entered the final year of his deal, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. Liverpool are determined to retain all three players and aim to negotiate new contracts for them. However, Van Dijk may have other plans.
Following the Netherlands’ exit from Euro 2024 against England, Van Dijk made comments about his future that sparked speculation about his intentions for both his club and international career.
“I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player,” said the Liverpool and Netherlands captain. “Then we’ll go for it again, but first recover from this.
“After a season like this, where all kinds of things have happened, it gets emotional at the end because you know it’s over.”
Liverpool are making rapid progress in their search for a left-footed centre-back, potentially seen as Van Dijk’s future replacement, according to CaughtOffside.
The club are moving forward in their efforts to sign Goncalo Inacio, the centre-back from Sporting CP and Portugal.
Inacio, aged 22, has a release clause set at €60m (£51m), which could facilitate his move from Sporting. Despite this, Liverpool reportedly believe they can negotiate a lower fee with Sporting and finalise a deal at a reduced price.
Securing Inacio said to be a priority target for Liverpool this summer, especially after Joel Matip’s departure as a free agent.
Currently, manager Arne Slot has Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah available for selection.
Nat Phillips is likely to leave, with an offer from Turkey already on the table. Slot is also considering whether to include Sepp van den Berg in his plans following a successful loan period at Mainz.
However, Van den Berg seems keen to exit, preferring a move to PSV Eindhoven in his homeland, and hopes Liverpool will lower their £20m asking price to facilitate the transfer.
The potential sales of Van den Berg and Phillips would necessitate Liverpool entering the market for reinforcements, particularly as Gomez is often needed to fill in at full-back.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool May Have Been Handed Summer Transfer Blow After Lamine Yamal’s Euro 2024 Comments