Serious doubts about the Dutchman’s long-term future at Liverpool have been thrown by Jurgen Klopp’s expected departure and Virgil van Dijk’s comments that followed.
During his press conference following Klopp’s announcement that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, Van Dijk was asked, as one would expect, whether the news had changed his decision to remain with the club. The vagueness of his reply gave the impression that relocating in the summer is certainly not out of the question.
I’m not sure I understand. “Well, I’m not sure,” the Dutchman said. In June of 2025, his contract will expire, joining that of other important players. “That is correct – good maths!” he said when confronted with this reality, further inflaming the situation. I am confused, you know.
The club is in for a major challenge. Everyone knows that. With the manager’s departure and the staff’s departure as well, there will be a great deal of change. The club has a lot of work to do, and I’m interested to see where it goes from here. However, we will be able to assess the situation once it is announced. Not much can be said about it.
His remarks have sparked conjecture about potential destinations, although they do not indicate an impending departure. Both the defender and Klopp have denied the implication. In the summer, if Van Dijk were available, these clubs would definitely be considered.
Madrid Club
As soon as Van Dijk’s future became uncertain, Defensa Central stated that Real Madrid would gladly offer the Dutchman a place to land. There aren’t many clubs in the world that could potentially entice and pay Van Dijk the kind of money he’d want.
Due to injuries, Real Madrid does not have an abundance of center defenders at the moment. The club’s senior center backs, including Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Nacho Fernandez, are not anticipated to depart anytime soon.
Although Nacho may be sent off to make room for Van Dijk, Real Madrid usually only use two center backs, so a star player could end up on the bench each week. In the event that it occurs, the Spanish may be more interested in seizing an opportunity than in solving a real problem.
Liverpool fans would be devastated to see Van Dijk represent a club that has defeated them in the Champions League final twice in the last three years.
Saint-Germain de Paris
The defender always preferred to remain with Liverpool, despite numerous attempts by Paris Saint-Germain to acquire him in recent years. That being said, whenever a notable player may become available, PSG should never be underestimated.
They have the financial means to acquire and compensate Van Dijk. Despite their apparent preference for younger players in the past few transfer windows, Van Dijk would definitely enhance the squad. Not only has Milan Skriniar underachieved since joining from Inter, but he is now sidelined with a long-term ιnjury as well. Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe are a little behind Van Dijk as well.
Van Dijk could start for the Paris Saint-Germain for at least a couple of seasons if a few players left the club.
Barcelona
From a financial standpoint, this appears to be much more challenging, but rest assured that they are now working the math. Even if Van Dijk isn’t quite sold on the idea, Barcelona will never turn down a chance like this.
He said, “I would sаy Camp Nou, Barcelona” when asked about his favorite away venue in an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap in 2022. It was obviously incredible for me to go from being a childhood fan who watched many Barcelona games to actually playing in one. During the same interview, he also mentioned Ronaldinho as his footballing hero, stating: “It’s just the way that he was, especially after the second season that he joined Barcelona.”
Defensemen like Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Ronald Araujo are competent, but they can’t compare to Virgil van Dijk. He wouldn’t need to exert any pressure as he would already be the team leader. Though it may be his preferred option, the financial constraints make it less probable than a transfer to PSG or Real Madrid.
St. Chelsea
Chelsea, like Barcelona, isn’t really out of the question in a scenario like this. Eventually, they will need to find a replacement for Thiago Silva, no matter how long it takes. They already have a surplus of central defenders, but as they have proven with nearly every position in the last two years, they can always use another.
Mauricio Pochettino has shown great appreciation for Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill, but defenders Trevoh Chalobah, Malang Sarr, and Benoit Badiashile may all depart this summer. Another player who has been training at the club to get in shape is Wesley Fofana.
There is a bunch of young, promising defenders who might use someone like Virgil van Dijk if Thiago Silva decides to retire. The key caveat is that Chelsea’s pay bill is becoming out of hand, and Van Dijk may not be interested in playing for a Premier League club and taking on Liverpool.