Van Dijk’s Mbappe to Liverpool transfer hint

Robin Bairner

• 13 Jan 2024 10:49 GMT
• 3 min read

Kylian Mbappe is a player Virgil van Dijk would love to see at Liverpool based on the words the centre-back reserved for the PSG attacker in an interview.

Mbappe is out of contract at the end of the season and Liverpool, along with Real Madrid, are one of the clubs that are closely monitoring the 25-year-old hitman.

While there are doubts over whether the Anfield club would be willing to foot the expenses associated with bringing the World Cup winner to Merseyside, L’Equipe has indicated that Jurgen Klopp’s side are very much appreciated by the forward and there could be room for manoeuvre in contract talks.

Now Liverpool captain Van Dijk has talked up the superstar in an interview with France Football.

“Of course, Kylian has a special talent. You have to be at your best to face him, the whole team has to be at their best, in fact,” the Netherlands international centre-back, recognised as one of the greatest defenders of the Premier League era, explained.

Mbappe is insistent that he has not made a decision over his plans, with the possibility that he signs a new PSG deal still alive.

Konate hailed

Van Dijk also talked up the qualities of central defensive partner Ibrahima Konate, who, like Mbappe, he could face at Euro 2024, in which the Oranje are drawn against France.

“Ibrahima is already a very, very good player. He is still learning, but he is progressing quickly. And the way he plays already at his age is truly remarkable. It's a real pleasure to be able to work with him, to be around him every day, to see him improve a little more every day,” he said.

“I'm really happy with everything that's happening to him. I really think he can become one of the best defenders in the world.”

Liverpool and Van Dijk are not in Premier League action again until next week, when they will face Bournemouth at home, as they are currently in the middle of their winter break.