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A former team-mate of Virgil van Dijk's thinks he'd be a great signing for Real Madrid(Image: 2025 Catherine Ivill - AMA)

Jose Fonte says he wouldn't be surprised if Virgil van Dijk made a move to Real Madrid this summer.

The ex-Portugal international, who partnered with Van Dijk in Southampton's defence, believes his former colleague would "thrive" at the Bernabeu.

Van Dijk's contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the campaign, and although the Dutch centre-back has expressed his desire to remain at Anfield, no deal has been finalised yet - casting uncertainty over his future.



If Van Dijk does leave, Fonte believes he will seamlessly slot into another European powerhouse's first team.

"Virgil van Dijk would thrive at Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich and I wouldn't be shocked to see him at one of those clubs next season," Fonte told BoyleSports.

"Those clubs will be looking for defenders that are as reliable as Van Dijk and they will all be looking if he gets to the end of the season without signing a contract.

"He can still perform at the highest level and he has shown he can take care of himself.

He is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the history of football."

Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk formed a strong partnership at Southampton(Image: 2016 AMA Sports Photo Agency)

If the Dutch defender does end up at Real Madrid, there's a growing possibility he could reunite with Alexander-Arnold next season.

Reports suggest the Liverpool right-back has verbally agreed to join Los Blancos when his contract runs out, though Reds fans are still holding out hope that he'll sign an extension at Anfield instead.

Fonte and Van Dijk were Southampton's defensive duo for two seasons at St Mary's.