Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
The future of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is set to be put into the spotlight once again in the coming months, as uncertainty over his contract situation goes unresolved.
As things stand, Van Dijk will become a free agent at the end of the season, but with his importance to Liverpool still as clear as ever, there remains a chance that he continues at the club.
Despite turning 35 in July, Van Dijk is still playing at an incredibly high level, and would no doubt be an attractive option to a number of top European clubs if he does depart Anfield. Having tried to sign Alisson Becker – whose contract will also expire in 2027 – this summer, Juventus have been linked with Van Dijk already. But, according to Flashscore, a move is currently seen as being unrealistic.
Liverpool DP
Liverpool DP
Van Dijk to Juventus is not realistic
As it did with Alisson during the summer window, a move to Juventus would make some sense for Van Dijk at this stage of his career. Though the Old Lady are not what they once were, they are still a big club, and playing in the slower pace of Serie A could help the pair elongate their careers further.
Nevertheless, there is a reason the likes of Juve and AC Milan are no longer competing at the very top of the European game. For years, they have been unable to match Premier League or the biggest La Liga clubs in terms of spending power.
And, according to Flashscore, this is exactly the reason why Van Dijk moving to Juventus is seen as being unlikely by ‘insiders,’ who are said to have been questioning how Juve would be able to finance a move for the Dutchman.
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Liverpool legend reveals his club turned down a bigger offer from Man City to let him join Reds
Liverpool legend reveals his club turned down a bigger offer from Man City to let him join Reds
Liverpool fans are about to find out why Virgil van Dijk has not yet been offered a new contract
Liverpool fans are about to find out why Virgil van Dijk has not yet been offered a new contract
Though his signature would require no transfer fee, Van Dijk reportedly earns a base £350k-per-week at Liverpool, something which Juventus are seen as being desperately unlikely to be able to match.
Milan are mentioned as another team who have been keeping tabs on what’s going on with the centre-back, but are also not seen as being a serious contender as long as his salary demands remain high.
Unlike Mohamed Salah before him, it should probably be expected that Van Dijk will stay in Europe’s top five leagues – or potentially move back to the Netherlands at a pinch – if he does leave Liverpool next summer. But if he continues to show no real signs of slowing down this season, then the Reds have to make sure they simply keep him where he is.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool four-grid
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images