Liverpool may already have their Virgil van Dijk replacement lined up as clever clause emerges
Liverpool are already planning for life without Virgil van Dijk, with the legendary defender entering his mid-30s.
Despite his age, the Liverpool captain is still thriving. Van Dijk made 17 clearances against Bournemouth in the Premier League opener, his most ever in a game for the Reds.
Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma in the summer, and the 18-year-old is expected to be a key cog for the defence in the future.
But decision-makers at Anfield will still be considering alternative centre-backs to target, with Ibrahima Konate likely to leave at the end of his Liverpool contract.
The Reds had attempted to sign Marc Guehi at the end of the transfer window, but the move fell apart at the final hour.
Liverpool can buy back Jarell Quansah for £51.5m in 2027
Liverpool sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in June, in a deal that could potentially reach £35million if the add-ons are met.
The defender had enjoyed a reduced role for Arne Slot’s side last season, but did manage to make 13 Premier League appearances for the eventual champions.
With the 22-year-old showing great potential, Liverpool were keen to insert a buy-back clause into any potential deal, and the terms of that clause have now been revealed.
Dave Ockop reported on Thursday 4 September that, if they choose to do so, the Reds can buy Quansah back for around £51.5m in 2027.
Jarell Quansah can be Virgil van Dijk replacement
It would be foolish to claim Quansah could replace Van Dijk as the player he currently is, but there is enough to suggest that the defender could be ready in the future.
The Englishman offers many of the same qualities – the ability on the ball, the domination in the air, and the patient method of defending.
Interestingly, Quansah even outperforms Van Dijk on a statistical level in some respects based on their performances so far this season.
The Bayer Leverkusen man has looked to carry the ball further than Van Dijk, and has won possession back at a higher rate.
The Liverpool legend is more progressive with his passing, but Quansah completes far more of his overall passes.
For now, the Reds will not be concerned with replacing Van Dijk. But in a few years, Quansah could become the perfect replacement for the Anfield icon.
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