Liverpool ‘prepare for blockbuster Van Dijk exit’ amid transfer update
Liverpool face the prospect of losing several key players for free this summer including captain Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk is one of three crucial players who is out of contract at the end of this season, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold and, as it stands, a new deal for any of them looks some way off.
The Dutch defender has been vital for Arne Slot this season and Van Dijk has been paramount to Liverpool’s title challenge, which currently sees them sat 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
With Van Dijk linked with MLS clubs, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing up an experienced option to replace him.
Liverpool linked with Jonathan Tah amid Virgil van Dijk uncertainty
Liverpool would find it near-impossible to replace Van Dijk this summer, especially if he leaves without a transfer fee, but they are eyeing up a number of options.
CaughtOffside have now reported (21 March) that Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah is on Liverpool’s radar and that the Reds, as well as Tottenham Hotspur, have both approached his camp over a possible free transfer.
| Stat | Jonathan Tah |
| Appearances | 40 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 5 |
Tah’s contract expires in the summer, and a move away from Leverkusen seems likely for the Germany International.
Liverpool would need to sign several defenders this summer if Van Dijk leaves and securing someone with Tah’s experience could be a good place to start.
Could Jonathan Tah replace Virgil van Dijk this summer?
Given that Van Dijk has arguably been the best centre-back in Europe this season, anyone coming in to directly replace him would represent a downgrade on the Dutchman.
However, Tah would not only arrive on a free transfer, allowing more funds to be focused on other incomings, but he would join as a Bundesliga title-winner, with plenty of Champions League and International experience under his belt.
Liverpool would need to replace both Van Dijk’s quality on the pitch, as well as his experience off it, and securing a player of Tah’s pedigree without a transfer fee would be a positive move in a difficult situation.
There would be a lot of competition for Tah’s signature, with Barcelona also among the names linked, but if Van Dijk does leave, Liverpool could offer the German significant playing time at the highest level.