Liverpool transfers: Van Dijk future talks NEXT week amid Saudi Arabia interest

The future of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk will be discussed next week by major players in the Saudi Pro League with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) scheduled to meet over its list of latest high-profile targets. 

The PIF - Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund - took 75 percent control of FOUR SPL clubs last year. 

Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli are the biggest clubs in the region, attracting stars such as Neymar, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez to the league over the last 12 months. 

Newly-promoted Al-Qadsiah, meanwhile, are operated by the Saudi Arabian oil group, Saudi Aramco, and have previously been reported to be keen on adding Van Dijk. 

Liverpool have done considerable business with the SPL since the PIF takeover was instigated with Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho among those moving there from Anfield. 

And Saudi sights are now reportedly set on Van Dijk, Liverpool’s 32-year-old captain who is out of contract in 2025. 

That’s according to transfer journalist Rudy Galetti, who claims that the PIF wants the Dutchman to come along with Manchester City duo Ederson and Bernardo Silva and Roma’s Leandro Paredes. 

Van Dijk has already insisted he is looking forward to working with new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot however there remains considerable uncertainty over his long-term future. 

Van Dijk Liverpool future uncertain

The Netherlands captain will be 33 by the time next season kicks off and will be well into the final year on his contract. 

If Liverpool intend to cash in, now is the time but that has to be weighed up against the impact Van Dijk’s departure could have on the team. 

He was instrumental for the Reds last season, marshalling a backline with an ever-rotating cast of partners and chipping in with key goals. 

Van Dijk has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and it remains to be seen what new transfer supremos Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards plan to do with the Premier League and Champions League-winning centre back, who has been a colossus since signing from Southampton for £75 million in 2018.