Liverpool think there are two centre-backs who could be signed to replace Virgil van Dijk next year

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Liverpool are quickly running out of time if they are to add to their squad this summer.

The Reds have a couple of things they could really do with sorting out over the next 10 days, but nothing seems especially imminent.

As well as the issue of any new arrivals, though, the Liverpool fanbase are growing concerned over the status of three of the biggest players in the first-team squad.

The trio of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk once again underlined their importance to the team during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Ipswich. All were key to the victory.

As the three players tick into their last contracted year’s at Anfield, Liverpool are already seemingly starting to plan for life without Van Dijk.

Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk successors

Supporters will still be hoping that all three of these players still have a future at Liverpool beyond this season. Very few will want to see them leave.

Perhaps the most pressing situation is Alexander-Arnold’s, with the 25-year-old still even yet to hit his peak as a player.

But the importance of Van Dijk cannot be overstated, either. The captain is still the beating heart of Liverpool’s defence and has looked as good as ever over the past 12 months.

Nevertheless, now 33, there is a clear decision to make over whether to offer Van Dijk a new contract on similarly expensive terms.

READ MORE: Liverpool contract expiry dates for ever player with three five to leave in 2025

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have made that call already and are keen to keep the Netherlands skipper for an extra year.

But with things yet to be sorted out, it’s claimed that the Reds are looking for potential replacements in case they lose Van Dijk in 2025.

Benfica’s Antonio Silva and Gleison Bremer of Juventus are said to be ‘in Liverpool’s sights’ as two players who could come in to replace their No.4 if he leaves next year.

Meanwhile, the Reds are reportedly mulling over a bid to sign Goncalo Inacio from Sporting in the event that Joe Gomez leaves in what’s left of the current transfer window.

Who would be the best Van Dijk successor?

If the worst comes to worst and Liverpool do lose Van Dijk at the end of the season, then it will be interesting to see which way the Liverpool owners go with it.

Of course, the Reds could have prepared ahead of time and brought in someone this summer who could slowly take the reigns over the season, but that doesn’t look like being what FSG have decided to do.

There may be hope that Jarell Quansah can step up further and be ready to fill that gap in a year’s time, but with a player like Van Dijk going, we think it would be better to bring in someone more experienced.

As a result, out of these two players, we’d rather Liverpool pushed ahead to sign Bremer from Juventus. The 27-year-old is in his prime and would be more of a sure bet than Silva, who is still only 20.

Neither really come anywhere close to Virgil in terms of stature and quality, though, so let’s hope that plan A still comes to fruition and the Dutchman stays for a while longer at least.