Report: Liverpool Already Eyeing £42m Centre-Back Transfer if Virgil van Dijk Departs Next Year

Though the summer transfer window closed just two weeks ago, Liverpool are already preparing for future transfer markets.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk are all set to become free agents at the end of the current season, with no indications that they are close to renewing their contracts with Liverpool.

Paul Merson has advised Liverpool to prioritise securing Salah’s future over Van Dijk’s. This advice suggests a plausible scenario where one of these three key players might depart Anfield next summer, with Alexander-Arnold rumored to be a target for Real Madrid.

In anticipation of such a departure, Liverpool appear to be evaluating potential replacements for Van Dijk for the upcoming season.

Liverpool Eyeing Loic Bade as Van Dijk Replacement

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are keeping an eye on Loic Bade, a Sevilla defender and France international, as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk should the Anfield captain depart next summer.

With a release clause set at £42 million, Bade represents a viable option for Liverpool. The 24-year-old defender has delivered strong performances this summer and earned a call-up to the French national team during the recent international break.

In the event that Van Dijk does leave Liverpool, Bade would be an appropriate choice, especially when paired with fellow French international Ibrahima Konate and with promising talent like Jarell Quansah coming through the ranks.

At £42 million, Bade could be considered a bargain acquisition for Liverpool. The La Liga standout appears well-suited for the Premier League, having excelled with Sevilla over the past year.

Even if Virgil van Dijk remains at Liverpool beyond this season, the team will still need to consider additional signings for their central defense. Bade might be an excellent choice for Slot to enhance his defensive options.

At 24 years old, Bade has yet to reach his full potential and seems well-suited to succeed in the Premier League with a prominent club like Liverpool, especially with the support of familiar teammates like Konate.

With a transfer fee of £42 million, Liverpool would make a prudent investment in Bade, who would likely be eager to join a prestigious club such as the Reds if presented with an offer next year.

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