Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been the latest senior player linked with an exit from Anfield, with reports in Turkiye claiming Galatasary is interested in the defender
18:48, 13 May 2026
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England
Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a move to Galatasary this summer(Image: Getty Images)
An exit for Virgil van Dijk this summer has been ruled out, despite recent reports linking him with a transfer to Galatasaray.
There have been claims coming out of Turkiye over the last few days suggesting that the Liverpool captain could follow other senior players in leaving Anfield, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson’s exits already confirmed, while Alisson Becker is being linked with a move to Juventus.
One report went as far as to say that Van Dijk was “ready to leave” Liverpool this summer, having been with the club since making the move from Southampton in January 2018.
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Yan Diomande interest, Kroupi link, Akliouche moveREAD MORE: Liverpool stars gather at restaurant for Mohamed Salah's farewell party
A fresh report though now looks to have ruled the Super Lig champions out of the running to sign the 34-year-old. Turkish journalist Ali Naci Kucuk has told 343 Digital that Van Dijk is “not currently on Galatasaray’s agenda”.
He went on to explain that a new quota on foreign players would prevent Galatasaray from signing the Netherlands international if it chooses to keep hold of Argentine striker Mauro Icardi.
The Turkish Foootball Federation announced last year that clubs would be allowed to have a maximum of 14 foreign players on their rosters. The rule was enforced for the 2025/26 season, with at least two of the 14 players required to have been born on or after January 1, 2003.
Referee Jesús Gil Manzano gestures towards Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and Abdulkerim Bardakci and Noa Lang of Galatasaray A.S. during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on March 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey
New rules in the Turkish Super Lig could prevent Galatasaray from making a move for Virgil van Dijk(Image: Getty Images)
For next season, the rule has been changed so that at least four of the 14 foreign players are required to have been born on or after January 1, 2004, which would make it more difficult for a Turkish club to sign Van Dijk.
The Liverpool captain is under contract at Anfield until next year, and has already hinted that he will be going nowhere this summer.
"It has been ups and downs," Van Dijk said reflecting on this season. "Some wins have felt good. Winning feels good. But we can't build on that and it has been the story of our season. That is what is difficult.
Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
From $100
LFC.com
See the deal
Liverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
"Just to go up and down in your emotions is never a good thing. When you win, it's happy days. When you lose, it is bad and you are held accountable. You have to take responsibility. It's just life.
Article continues below
"I think it's unacceptable that we have lost too many times as defending champions of the Premier League and we shouldn't accept it whatsoever. There will be a lot of work that has to be done going into next season.
"When I am back from the World Cup, I will go into it. But there is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes."