Virgil van Dijk has been immense for Liverpool throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
The Dutch star’s displays have seen him return to his status as the undisputed best centre-back in world football, although Jamie Carragher has taken it a step further.
The Liverpool captain was outstanding against Tottenham on Thursday night and after the contest, Carragher labelled Van Dijk as the greatest defender to ever play in the Premier League; in fact, the pundit stated that it wasn’t even close.
Despite all this, the Netherlands captain is out of contract with Liverpool in the summer, and his situation has been lingering in the background.
Fabrizio Romano has stated that there are positive signs regarding the contract situation of Van Dijk at Liverpool, however, the centre-back’s former Southampton teammate Jose Fonte wouldn’t be surprised to see the 33-year-old leave Anfield this summer.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk an option for three major European clubs
Following the Reds’ win over Tottenham, Van Dijk admitted that he has no idea about his Liverpool future and that anyone who says they do is wrong.
Paul Merson believes Van Dijk will leave Anfield at the end of the season and the Sky Sports pundit is not the only one.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Liverpool captain’s former Southampton teammate, Jose Fonte, has claimed that he wouldn’t be surprised to see the 33-year-old at another major European club next season.
“Van Dijk would thrive at Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at one of those clubs next season,” the Portuguse star said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at one of those clubs next season, because those clubs will be looking for defenders who are as reliable as Van Dijk and everyone will be watching if he reaches the end of the season without signing a new contract.
“He can still play at the highest level and has shown that he can take care of himself. He will have no problem staying at the highest level for three or four more years.”
John Barnes believes Liverpool won’t cope without Van Dijk next season and that is a feeling many Reds fans share.
- READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate admits he had a different opinion on Virgil van Dijk before joining Liverpool
How would Liverpool replace Virgil van Dijk?
It is understandable why Liverpool may be hesitant to offer Van Dijk a long-term contract given his age, but the Merseyside club will have a very hard time trying to replace the centre-back should he depart Anfield at the end of the season.
Jarell Quansah is the most likely option to take over from the Dutch star at the heart of Arne Slot’s defence alongside Ibrahima Konate, given that the is already embedded into the club.
However, if Van Dijk leaves, the Premier League leaders would certainly dip into the market to recruit a replacement.
Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has previously been linked to Liverpool, although the defender has recently signed a new contract at the City Ground. While Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill have also been names said to be on the Reds’ shortlist.
Fans of the Merseyside club will be hopeful that Van Dijk’s situation gets resolved very soon as the Liverpool captain continues to be a very important figure around Anfield.
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