Liverpool handed major UPDATE in transfer pursuit of Virgil van Dijk successor

The man at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, Virgil van Dijk, has been a colossus for the club since his move to Merseyside in 2018 but the Dutchman’s time at Liverpool could soon be coming to an end.

Club captain Van Dijk’s contract expires at the end of the current season and, unless a new deal can be agreed, the 33-year-old could leave Anfield for free in 2025.

Since joining Liverpool, Virgil has undoubtedly been one of the best in the world in his position and he continues to be a huge part of Liverpool’s defence, which looks to have improved under Arne Slot.

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The departure of Joel Matip this summer means that Liverpool are left with only four senior options at centre half with Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez able to line up alongside Van Dijk.

Although the Reds’ other defenders possess great quality there is no apparent heir to Van Dijk’s position at the heart of Liverpool’s defence within the club.

Liverpool’s Bade links

It was revealed last week by Fichajes that Liverpool were interested in singing Seville’s Loic Bade, who could be a valid option as Liverpool look to fill the hole that could be left by Van Dijk’s departure.

Liverpool’s links to Bade where always underlined by the fact the 24-year-old recently extended his contract at Seville, which now runs until 2029.

Now Matteo Moretto, writing for Football Espana, has revealed that reports of Liverpool’s interest in Bade may be wide of the mark.

Moretto writes that Bade is happy in Seville and that the player extended his contract because he really wanted to stay at the club.

He then revealed that he has no knowledge of any Liverpool interest in Bade despite the recent links between the two.

Van Dijk’s contract situation

As mentioned above, Van Dijk’s current contract will expire at the end of the season, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the writing is on the wall for the Dutch captain.

There is still a chance that Virgil could extend his stay in Merseyside and discussions over a new deal for the Reds’ skipper are set to begin soon.

Van Dijk even hinted whilst on international duty that he would be open to a new deal at Liverpool and so all hope is not lost for Liverpool supporters.

Central defence was a position that Liverpool were reportedly keen on strengthening this summer and, although no deals made it across the line, it could be an area that Liverpool look to revisit in January - even if a new contract for Virgil is agreed.