Liverpool identify Van Dijk replacement as La Liga club set '£16.7m' demand for highly-rated centre-back
The latest transfer talk from Anfield as Liverpool look to find a long-term successor for a key defender.
Liverpool are reportedly ready to turn their focus towards Spain as they aim to find a long-term successor to club captain Virgil van Dijk.
The Netherlands star has become a bedrock of a highly-successful era at Anfield after making a £75m move to the red half of Merseyside in January 2018. During his time with the club, Van Dijk has become a Champions League and Premier League winner as well as lifting the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and World Club Cup. However, both player and club are preparing to make a big decision over his future over the coming weeks and months.
Much like Reds team-mates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah, the Dutch international is out on contract next summer and, as it stands, can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England from January onwards before making a lucrative free transfer move next summer. However, the former Celtic and Southampton centre-back has already hinted he could be willing to extend his time at Anfield and stressed he wants to remain ‘the big leader’ for club and country ‘for the next two years’.
Speaking during last month’s international break, the Reds star said: “At both teams, I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader, and I certainly want to remain that for the next two years. It was a very long and intense season last year, including the Euros. I always try to talk and am constantly busy with everyone.
“I’ve had that responsibility for years. As captain, it’s the team first and then yourself but it should not be at the expense of your own performance. In my opinion, I have always managed that very well. I am very much important, on and off the pitch. I don’t like to say that about myself, but I am. The responsibility at the club and at the national team is still super big.”
Although speculation over Van Dijk’s future seems to indicate the defender will remain at Liverpool, recent reports in Spain have hinted the Reds are considering their options when it comes to a long-term replacement for the centre-back. News outlet Mundo Deportivo have reported Liverpool are showing an interest in Sevilla star Loic Bade after he impressed with the La Liga outfit since joining them from Rennes on an initial loan deal in January last year before making a permanent switch just months later.
The report reveals both Roma and Stuttgart have made unsuccessful offers for the 24-year-old during the summer and stressed Sevilla will not accept an effort below the £17m mark over the coming transfer windows.