La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen on signing 33-year-old Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk in a Bosman move if he leaves Liverpool as a free agent.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Virgil van Dijk is the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish giants are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Liverpool captain. However, the Colchoneros face stiff competition from Bayern Munich, while the Reds want to tie him to a new contract.
The rise and rise of Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018. The Dutchman was already among the finest centre-backs in the Premier League when he arrived at Anfield over seven years ago, and he has gone from strength to strength during his stint with the Merseyside outfit.
The 33-year-old has turned out over 300 times thus far for Liverpool while chipping in with 26 goals and 13 assists. However, van Dijk faces an uncertain future at the Merseyside club after entering the final few months of his contract.
The situation has left Liverpool in a spot of bother, with the Premier League table-toppers scrambling to tie the Dutch defender to a new contract. However, the possibility of sealing a Bosman move for van Dijk has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, with Atletico Madrid among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
La Liga move on the horizon?
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Virgil van Dijk is understandable. The Colchoneros are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Axel Witsel’s future. In addition, Clement Lenglet might not complete a permanent move in the summer transfer window.
So, van Dijk has emerged as a viable target for Atletico Madrid despite his advancing years. However, as iterated earlier, Los Rojiblancos will face stiff competition from several European bigwigs for the Dutchman’s signature, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also vying for his signature.
Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich can secure a pre-contract agreement for van Dijk’s signature if they make a concerted effort in discussions with his entourage. However, Liverpool will hope to tie the 33-year-old Dutch defender to a new contract in the coming months.