Liverpool may be forced to delve into the transfer market for a new centre-back this summer if Virgil van Dijk quits the club when his contract expires. The Netherlands international is reportedly eyeing up a move to the MLS after spending seven years at Anfield.
Van Dijk has been a loyal servant to the Reds after joining his current employers from Southampton. He has made 311 appearances for Liverpool and has helped the team win a host of trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup. He has been in stellar form this season and looks certain to add a second top-flight trophy to his cabinet before the campaign ends. But he may then decide he’s had enough of life in England. And Express Sport takes a look at four players who could replace the 33-year-old on Merseyside.
Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi has attracted plenty of attention from the top clubs in England over the last year after starring for Crystal Palace. The 24-year-old almost joined Newcastle last summer but was denied a move to the north east as Palace rejected a £65million offer.
And the Eagles appear to value the England international at over £70m as they rejected that figure when Tottenham came calling at the end of the winter transfer window.
Guehi has proven to be a consistent performer in the Premier League and appears to have what it takes to star at the top level in the Champions League.
Dean Huijsen
If Liverpool want to target a younger centre-back than Guehi who also has Premier League experience, they could turn to Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
The former Juventus youngster has excelled in the Premier League since breaking into the Cherries starting team in December, despite the fact he’s still only 19.
Huijsen is a modern defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and his talents would be welcomed on Merseyside.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Another young Premier League defender who is ready for a step up is Jarrad Branthwaite. But a move for the 22-year-old could raise eyebrows as he is currently plying his trade for Liverpool’s arch-rivals Everton.
Branthwaite is said to be considering his future after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad. And he has all the credentials to succeed at Anfield.
Alessandro Bastoni
Liverpool have been linked with Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, with some reports suggesting the Reds already see him as Van Dijk’s long-term successor.
The 25-year-old is rated as one of the best centre-backs in Europe and has helped Inter storm to the top of the Serie A table this season.
While he doesn’t have experience in the Premier League, his technical ability and composure on the ball would make him a perfect fit for Slot’s side.