Jurgen Klopp may have left Liverpool a long time ago, but one of the biggest warnings he made before departing Anfield may be in danger of coming true
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SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - JANUARY 14: Global Head of Soccer Jürgen Klopp gestures during the Presentation of Jürgen Klopp As Head Of Global Soccer Red Bull at Red Bull Hangar-7 on January 14, 2025 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp issued a warning to Liverpool at the start of his final year
(Image: Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto, Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp's ominous warning about the Saudi Pro League's financial might could soon become a reality for Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk. During his final season at the helm, Klopp had to reconstruct his midfield after Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were lured away by Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad, respectively.
At that time, Klopp cautioned Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League about the irresistible allure of the Saudi millions. Although Klopp has since departed Liverpool, the Saudi Pro League may be poised to snatch another player from the Reds.
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Reports suggest that the Middle Eastern league is keen on bringing Van Dijk to Al Hilal. The situation is particularly precarious for Arne Slot's team as Van Dijk's contract expires in the summer.
Given these circumstances, the club may well remember Klopp's warning. Reflecting on the departures of Henderson and Fabinho, Klopp conceded that the club had "no chance" of retaining them once the extravagant Saudi salaries were offered.
While also acknowledging Roberto Firmino's move to Al Ahli after leaving Liverpool on a free transfer, Klopp said: "Bobby's [Firmino] contract has expired. Of course, he can go and do whatever he wants.
"He just made his choice, and that's perfectly fine. When Hendo and Fabinho then sat in my office and talked to me about it, I knew when I found out more about the conditions that we had practically no chance of taking action against it.
Liverpool's Dutch defender #04 Virgil van Dijk reacts during the last 16 second leg UEFA Champions League football match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on March 11, 2025
Van Dijk is reportedly of interest to Saudi Arabia
"The financial conditions in this league are absolutely exceptional. I would say there are almost no limits. Anyone who can sign Cristiano Ronaldo and pay him for it definitely has no limits anymore."
TalkSPORT reports that Van Dijk is drawing interest from Saudi clubs, where he would play alongside or against former Liverpool colleagues Fabinho, Firmino, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Sadio Mane.
Van Dijk, who became the world's most expensive defender when he signed for Liverpool in 2018 for £75m, recently admitted his future is still up in the air.
Fabinho of Al Ittihad battles for the ball during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al Okhdood at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on March 2, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Fabinho and many other former Reds are still playing in Saudi Arabia
After Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, Van Dijk said: "I have no idea at the moment.
"Genuinely, I still have no idea. There are 10 games to go and that is my full focus. If there is news you guys will know it. I don't even know myself.
"Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment I don't even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face."