Liverpool decide on Van Dijk replacement

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 20 Sept 2024 14:29 BST
2 min read

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Liverpool have made their decision and have already lined up a replacement for legendary defender Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.

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The 33-year-old's contract is up next year following a hugely successful spell at Anfield, and now TeamTalk state that the Premier League club are looking for replacements.

Along with Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are out of contract in June 2025. But Liverpool are bracing for the Dutchman's departure.

The report states that: "We understand that Liverpool are planning for Van Dijk’s departure and sporting director Richard Hughes has already begun the hunt for his successor."

The site report that Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer is viewed as one of the "ideal candidates".

Current ETV

Bremer

D (C)

Juventus

Bremer

D (C)

Juventus

ETV Range

€24.5M - €40.8M

The Brazilain, who was extensively linked with a switch to Manchester United last summer window, is believed to have a valuation of €70 million while his Old Lady contract is up in 2029. FootballTransfers' Estimated Transfer Value algorithm values the defender at €32.7m, however, meaning the Reds would be paying over the value.

As well as Bremer, it is thought Reds boss Arne Slot is an admirer of Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio. The defender has been linked with a Premier League switch for what seems like an entirety. He still has a €60m (£50.4m; $66.7m) release clause in his contract.

The site name two other names. Sevilla’s Loic Bade is one but there is a significant obstacle to a deal. The Portugal international, too, has a hefty release clause, this one being €50m. At present, FSG believes that this fee is too high and so if they did try and buy him, they will negotiate a lower price.

Lastly is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who came close to joining Newcastle over the summer subject to several failed bids. The 24-year-old was among the best players for England during their Euro 2024 venture and remains a target for Eddie Howe ahead of January.

Van Dij played a vital role in Liverpool winning eight major trophies during the Jurgen Klopp era but it appears that the club are bracing for something of a transition period under Slot.