“Liverpool Unveils Dream Shortlist to Replace Van Dijk as Contract Talks Stumble”
“Liverpool’s Bold Four-Man Plan to Replace Van Dijk If Contract Talks Collapse”
“Liverpool’s Backup Strategy: Four Potential Replacements for Van Dijk Amid Contract Standoff”
With Virgil van Dijk’s current deal approaching its end and no renewal signed yet, reports indicate Liverpool has identified four potential candidates to step in if the defender departs this summer.
At 33, Virgil van Dijk finds himself in the final year of his Liverpool contract, fueling uncertainty about his future alongside speculation surrounding Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool have made an offer to the Dutch defender, but it reportedly falls short of his expectations, with key sticking points being the contract’s length and salary. Despite this, “dialogue” between the two parties remains active.
Speaking on October 24, Van Dijk addressed his situation, saying:
“Obviously, discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know; we will see what happens in the future. My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring, I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up, and we will see.”
While many at Liverpool remain hopeful that Virgil van Dijk will stay, there is a possibility he could depart next summer. Starting January 1, 2025, he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract deal with foreign clubs.
In anticipation of this, Liverpool have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of four potential replacements: Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer, Goncalo Inacio, and Loic Bade.
Guehi, 24, is the captain of Crystal Palace and played a pivotal role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign. Despite Newcastle United’s multiple bids for him last summer, he stayed with Palace, where his contract runs through 2026.
Bremer, also 24, plays for Juventus and has a contract lasting until June 2029. The Brazilian international is valued at approximately £59 million.
Loic Bade, 24, is a key figure in Sevilla’s defense. Although his previous loan spell at Nottingham Forest was cut short, he remains under contract with Sevilla until 2029.
Goncalo Inacio, 23, plays for Sporting CP and has a £50 million release clause. He was a key player in helping Sporting win the Primeira Liga title in the 2023/24 season, making 32 league appearances.
While Liverpool has not officially confirmed their interest in these players, reports suggest the club is considering them as part of their future plans.