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20 Jul 2026, 19:00
Liverpool great Mohamed Salah looks to be close to Besiktas.The Egyptian King, 34, reached an agreement to rip up his £400k per week contract one year early. Following speculation that he would be moving to Saudi Arabia or MLS it now looks as though the left-footed attacker will move to Istanbul instead.
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And according to a report in the Turkish media Besiktas are not going to stop there. Because Virgil van Dijk’s representatives will soon meet with the club over the prospect of a deal.Van Dijk's representatives to jet out for Besiktas talks“Virgil Van Dijk! Van Dijk's agent is coming to Istanbul to meet with Beşiktaş!” a report reads from Levent Ümİt Erol on LÜE TV.Of course these reports need to be taken with a pinch of salt - especially until we get some more clarity from the Liverpool side.It’s not the first time Van Dijk, 35, has been linked with the Liverpool exit this summer. Istanbul city rivals Galatasaray - as well as AC Milan - have reportedly got plans to welcome the Netherlands’ captain.Like Salah Van Dijk renewed his contract back in 2025 - extending until 2027 for a pay packet worth £400k per week.[embedded content]Liverpool rebuilding backlineLiverpool have taken the opportunity to freshen up the backline with new signings over the last year. Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet are the headliners - coming in for £26m and £60m respectively.Others such as Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe will also have a part to play. Andoni Iraola cannot count on Ibrahima Konate for the coming season as he has departed on a free transfer to Real Madrid.Bet £10, Get £30 in Free BetsOpen an account and place a qualifying bet of £10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.18+New UK/ROI customers. Min £5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at £10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgLiverpool could be left with lack of experienceThat leaves a sizeable experience gap in the heart of the Liverpool defence - with only Van Dijk and Joe Gomez as senior options. It would be a stunning development if Van Dijk was offered around - given the 2024/25 Premier League champions’ difficulties in that area.The attraction of saving around £20m per year on Van Dijk’s salary would be obvious to FSG beancounters but there is no replacing the Dutch colossus in the Liverpool backline despite his age.
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