Liverpool have ensured that the Premier League will not have to wave goodbye to more than one legend this summer.
It had looked probable that the Reds would be letting two of their best players of the Premier League era go at the end of the campaign.
However, with Mohamed Salah already confirmed to be staying and Virgil van Dijk on the verge of doing the same, Liverpool have averted a mini disaster.
While it is good news on Salah and Van Dijk, though, over in Manchester Kevin De Bruyne has not had the same outcome.
De Bruyne will leave Manchester City this summer after 10 terrific season with the Citizens. It remains to be seen where the Belgian will end up.
But after he surprisingly suggested a Premier League stay may be on the cards, Liverpool fans have been dreaming of signing De Bruyne. One man who would likely get behind that is Van Dijk, who admitted the Man City legend would be his perfect Liverpool teammate back in 2022.
Virgil van Dijk wanted Kevin De Bruyne at Liverpool
Van Dijk and De Bruyne have had some epic battles for Liverpool and Man City over the last decade. It is a shame that is now set to come to an end.
Nevertheless, the two will likely remain in touch. Van Dijk and De Bruyne are good friends, they have holidayed together in the past and their kids even attend the same school.
So, when asked by Gary Neville on The Overlap in November 2022 to name the player he wishes he could have played with but never did, it was not a surprise to hear Virgil name his mate Kevin.
“Kevin De Bruyne,” the Dutchman answered, without any hesitation. “I think he’s unbelievable. If he would have played at Liverpool, we’d have gone even further than we already are.”
“I think he’s outstanding,” Van Dijk added. “Good on the ball, pressing, scoring, he’s got everything as a modern day midfielder and a footballer in general.
“I think he’s an outstanding player.”
De Bruyne eyeing Premier League stay
While it seems unlikely that Liverpool will sign De Bruyne this summer, there are some compelling arguments that they should.
Before he spoke to Viaplay on Saturday, you wouldn’t have thought a transfer would be at all possible. But after the 33-year-old admitted that he’d be open to a Premier League stay, Liverpool should be on alert.
“I don’t know, honestly, I don’t know,” De Bruyne said when asked if his time in England was over.
“Could be, could be not. It’s very hard because the decision of leaving has not been that long so nothing can be decided in a week. I need to speak to my family and see whatever team wants me. I’ve no idea, we’ll see.”
Some would argue that Van Dijk being close to De Bruyne – and loving him as a player – should not really be a factor here. But the fact that the Belgium international still looks like he has a lot to give could make it relevant.
If Liverpool decided to grant Virgil his wish alongside a brand new contract this summer, we’d be hugely intrigued. We can’t see it happening, but maybe the big man will be stepping in to have a word with Richard Hughes.
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