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Three European heavyweight clubs are ready to offer Virgil van Dijk a contract if he leaves Liverpool this summer, Rousing The Kop understands.
Van Dijk is out of contract at Liverpool in June, with a breakthrough yet to be made on an extension.
And although the Reds are still hopeful of reaching an agreement with their captain, clubs from around Europe and the Saudi Pro League are beginning to position themselves to capitalise.
RTK have been informed that both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid would be willing to offer Van Dijk a two-year contract should he depart Anfield.
Bayern Munich are also known admirers of the Dutchman and would likely be at the table if he were to become available.
Manager Vincent Kompany is understood to be driving Bayern’s interest, while clubs from Saudi Arabia are also attentive to Van Dijk’s situation.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Van Dijk has been in fantastic form for Liverpool this season and is yet to miss a minute of their Premier League campaign.
And although this has made him an attractive option to Europe’s biggest clubs, RTK understands that the 33-year-old is still prioritising staying with the Reds.
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Despite being free to discuss a move to another European – or Saudi – side, it’s understood that Van Dijk and his camp are not actively approaching suitors.
However, this has not stopped the offers from arriving and it is understood that the Netherlands skipper is by now well aware of the options he has away from Liverpool.
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RTK have been informed that representatives from Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich were all present to watch Liverpool’s win over PSG last Wednesday.
While the clubs have insisted they were simply in attendance to watch two potential Champions League opponents, they would have no doubt been keeping an eye on how Van Dijk performed, too.
Should Van Dijk depart Liverpool he would leave a big gap at the heart of the defence for Arne Slot to plug.
And as RTK revealed in February, Liverpool are already doing work on signing a new centre-back.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsPremier League2911Champions League810Carabao Cup210Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool 2024/25
The profile of the new player is understood to be linked to whether Van Dijk stays at the club or leaves for a new challenge.
However, Liverpool are targeting a new addition regardless of whether their captain is still with them next season or not.
Goncalo Inacio, Levi Colwill, Dean Huijsen and Joel Ordonez are understood to be four of the names under consideration by the Reds.