More reports have emerged linking Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk with a summer exit, which would come as a major shock.
The Dutchman (34) may not be as young and spry as he used to be, but he remains one of the very best central defenders in the world and is more than capable of operating at an elite level for a number of years.
It might not be the case, but I expect that despite claims that this will be van Dijk’s last World Cup, van Dijk may well appear at the 2030 tournament in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. That’s irrelevant right now, but I’d still like to see the former Southampton star remain at Anfield for many more years as centre-backs are able to find more longevity than midfielders, for example.
Latest Virgil van Dijk transfer news as Galatasaray prepare ‘official offer”
Turkish journalist Ya??z Sabuncuo?lu reports that Galatasaray are “considering making an official offer” to sign van Dijk, as they look to capitalise on Liverpool’s instability in the wake of Arne Slot’s sacking and the arrival of Andoni Iraola as his replacement.
The journo reports (via Haber Sarikirmizi): “Galatasaray hasn’t made a move for Virgil Van Dijk yet. I expect some movement after June 15th. Galatasaray is considering making an official offer.”
Another Turkish outlet corroborates the story, with Fotomac claiming that van Dijk’s move to Galatasaray has “gained momentum” in recent weeks, although his £20.8m/year salary will be difficult to match.
“Galatasaray has added world-renowned Liverpool stopper Virgil van Dijk to the top of their list. It was emphasised that contacts established with the 34-year-old Dutch star have gained momentum and the meetings will continue,” reports Fotomac.
? Galatasaray, Liverpool'un dünyaca ünlü stoperi Virgil van Dijk'? listenin ilk s?ras?na yazd?.
? 34 ya??ndaki Hollandal? y?ld?zla kurulan temaslar?n h?z kazand??? ve görü?melerin sürece?i vurguland?. pic.twitter.com/R28Ma29JDi
— Fotomaç (@fotomac) June 11, 2026
Liverpool cannot afford to lose van Dijk
Ibrahima Konate’s contract has less than a month to run before it expires on 30 June, with Liverpool now in danger of starting another Premier League season with too few centre-backs.
Liverpool have yet to replace Quansah after his £35m move to Bayer Leverkusen, although rumours are swirling that the club could bring him back to Anfield this summer.
Jeremy Jacquet is set to arrive on a £60m move from Rennes while Giovanni Leoni will return to action next season after an ACL rupture ruled him out of action for most of the 2025-26 season.
Losing van Dijk and Konate would be catastrophic, though I really don’t expect it to happen.