**Galatasaray are plotting an ambitious move for [Liverpool](https://sportwitness.co.uk/liverpool/) captain Virgil van Dijk and will match his €11m a year wages.**
[Fotomaç report that](https://www.fotomac.com.tr/galatasaray/2026/05/05/galatasaraydan-savunmaya-dunya-yildizi-hamlesi-transferi-dursun-ozbek-bitirecek?paging=6) the Turkish side are waiting for the green light before making an official move for the Liverpool defender.
Galatasaray target Liverpool captain
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Fotomaç explain that Galatasaray have already begun their transfer preparations for next season. The plan is to strengthen their defence, and Virgil van Dijk is the star name that they want.
The Liverpool centre-back would be a replacement for one of the two current options, Davinson Sanchez and Abdülkerim Bardakcı.
The 34-year-old is a dream signing for president Dursun Özbek, and there’s a belief that a deal can be done. Van Dijk has one year left on his deal at Anfield and will consider his options if he faces the risk of losing his place in Arne Slot’s side next season.
The Dutchman is more than aware that he now faces the ‘last important contract’ of his career. Galatasaray plan to approach him soon and president Dursun Özbek will be ‘closely involved’ in the process.
The belief in Türkiye is that Van Dijk is open to playing for Galatasaray. He’s faced them in the Champions League this season and was left impressed.
He currently earns €11m a year at Liverpool after taxes. Galatasaray are willing to match that to lure him to the Super Lig next season. If the 34-year-old gives the green light, action will be taken ‘immediately’ at the end of the season.
Turkish optimism
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Now, here at Sport Witness, we would urge caution. This is a classic in the genre of Turkish optimism about one of their clubs signing a major European star.
In a summer where Liverpool are losing Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, while Alisson could also depart, it would be a major decision to also let Virgil van Dijk depart.
The whole idea is also based on the principle that Van Dijk may lose his place next season. Even at 34-years-old, that’s unlikely unless there’s massive changes.
That’s not to say it isn’t possible, by any means. But we’d urge caution for the time being about any such transfer actually happening.