Virgil Van Dijk to reject record-breaking deal from Saudi Arabia to stay at Liverpool
Dan Bardell believes that Virgil Van Dijk will stay at Liverpool until his contract ends despite a lucrative contract offer from Saudi Arabia.
A report from Marca (13 June) has suggested that Al Nassr have offered a wage which would be a world record for a defender.
The Saudi giants have now met with the Dutchman’s representatives to discuss a move with just 12 months remaining on his contract at Anfield.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell has suggested Van Dijk would turn down that offer to stay with the Reds for another season under Arne Slot.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, Bardell said: “He doesn’t strike me as the type of player who would want to make that kind of move at this point.
“He’s only got 12 months remaining on his contract but I can only see him signing a new deal with Liverpool or he’ll leave on a free. I don’t think he’s somebody who would go this summer.
“Liverpool are at the point where they need some stability so losing Van Dijk would be unthinkable, especially having already lost Jurgen Klopp, got a new manager and are looking to change the way they go forward as a club.
“I wouldn’t expect Van Dijk to go. He might not sign a new contract but I don’t feel like at this stage of his career that he’ll be off to Saudi Arabia.“
Virgil Van Dijk to reject Saudi Arabia for Liverpool stay
With the departure of Joel Matip already confirmed, the Reds can not afford to lose Van Dijk as well this summer.
This would leave a massive hole in the squad before Slot had truly got his hands on it ahead of the summer window dealings.
There is no doubt over the importance that the Dutchman has over the Liverpool side as well as opposition attackers.
Despite the rise of Jarell Quansah and the quality that Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez possess, none are near Van Dijk’s level.
With a year left on his contract, it may be hard to turn down if a mammoth offer came in from Saudi Arabia this summer.
Mohamed Salah has also been linked with a move to the Middle East but with the new regime taking over at Anfield, wholesale changes could be a risk.
The Dutchman looks set to extend his Anfield stay for at least the upcoming season as he fulfils his contract.
In other Liverpool news, Reds to rival Chelsea, Man Utd for Palace ace Michael Olise.
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