Galatasaray make contact to sign Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has struggled in recent weeks, but the 34-year-old’s defensive workload has arguably never been higher since his arrival in January 2018.
He has remained Liverpool’s most consistent defender across the season, though there are growing concerns about his long-term future at the club, with signs that he has declined from his imperious best.
Van Dijk has long marshalled the left side of Liverpool’s defence, and finding a successor with his composure on the ball in that area will be a significant challenge. His current contract runs until the summer of 2027.
According to Fotomaç, Galatasaray are closely monitoring Van Dijk, who is reportedly considering a move away from Liverpool. The report claims he is open to offers.
The Netherlands skipper, who is familiar with Galatasaray, is said to admire RAMS Park and has expressed positive views about the stadium on several occasions.
Galatasaray are expected to make initial contact with the Dutch defender in the near future. Virgil van Dijk has played 47 matches for Liverpool this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in all competitions.
Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders in world football since joining Liverpool in January 2018, and he is now the club’s captain.
His honours with Liverpool include two Premier League titles (2019–20, 2024–25), the UEFA Champions League (2019), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), FA Cup (2022), two Carabao Cups (2022, 2024), the UEFA Super Cup (2019), and the FA Community Shield (2022).
The upcoming summer transfer window is expected to be busy for the Premier League champions, with several squad changes likely.
Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have already confirmed their departures, while Ibrahima Konate is yet to agree a new contract despite reports of progress.
The 26-year-old centre-back is currently under contract until the summer of 2026, and while there had been uncertainty over a potential free transfer departure, that situation now appears to be resolved.
Liverpool signed the Frenchman from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 for a fee of around €40million. At least one winger is expected to arrive, though there is an argument that two may be needed given Liverpool’s struggles to adequately replace Luis Díaz in 2025.
There are also question marks in midfield, with concerns over the consistency of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, and uncertainty surrounding Curtis Jones’ long-term role, meaning reinforcements in that area cannot be ruled out.