Liverpool could sign ‘bizarre’ defender tipped to replace Virgil van Dijk for £17m

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Virgil van Dijk has been one of Liverpool’s best signings in the Premier League era, yet the defender could be on the move next year.

The Anfield captain’s contract is due to expire at the end of this season with Saudi Arabian clubs already interested in signing Van Dijk, who could choose to leave the Premier League for the Middle East despite being one of the best centre-backs in the world.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah in the same situation as Van Dijk, there could be some huge changes at Liverpool next summer if all three players decide to leave, with the 33-year-old defender a figure that will be hard to replace.

Yet Liverpool could now sign a replacement at a bargain price.

Liverpool target Loic Bade potentially available for £17m

According to Mundo Deportivo, Sevilla will not listen to offers below €20m (£17m) for Loic Bade, who as per the report is being eyed by Liverpool as a potential replacement for Van Dijk in 2025.

Noted by Breaking The Lines as a defender who has had a ‘bizarre’ career, Bade has been exceptional since joining Sevilla, with the 24-year-old centre-back now part of the France senior team after starring for Les Bleus in this summer’s Olympics.

READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk from his tattoo to net worth

With the Reds already in the market for another central defender, signing the Sevilla star for as little as £17m could be a tempting proposition for the Anfield side, with Liverpool already linked with a move for Bade.

With a release clause worth £42m, though, there is a realistic chance that Sevilla demand a fee closer to Bade’s exit option, yet this could be a figure that Liverpool are willing to match in their bid to replace Van Dijk.

Liverpool could find replacing Van Dijk near-impossible

Van Dijk has been one of the best defenders in the world the second the centre-back moved to Liverpool in 2018, with the Dutch international key to the Reds becoming as big as they are in the following six years.

Which is why Liverpool could find it impossible to replace the former Southampton defender, with Van Dijk still one of the best in his position in the game and someone who could do a job at the highest level for the next few years.

And for Liverpool, finding a successor could be difficult, even with the Reds managing one incredible move this summer in replacing Jurgen Klopp with Arne Slot.