Liverpool faces uncertainty over the long-term future of Virgil van Dijk, as the Dutch centre-back nears the final months of his current contract. So far, he has not reached an agreement on a contract extension, raising concerns about his potential departure from Anfield. This situation has prompted the club to begin assessing possible replacements for the experienced defender.
Van Dijk is not the only high-profile Liverpool player whose contract is expiring soon. Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also approaching the end of their current deals, meaning all three could become free agents by the conclusion of the season. While Liverpool remains hopeful that Van Dijk will commit to a new contract, they are already making preparations in case he chooses to leave.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool has intensified its search for a new centre-back in anticipation of the summer transfer window. Among the potential candidates being considered is Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen. The young defender has played a crucial role for Bournemouth this season and has drawn the attention of several top clubs with his impressive performances. Liverpool views Huijsen as a strong candidate to step into Van Dijk’s shoes should the Dutchman leave.
Another name on Liverpool’s radar is Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven. Since his arrival from Serie A, Van de Ven has quickly adapted to the Premier League, demonstrating exceptional speed and tactical awareness. His ability to read the game and contribute defensively has made him a standout performer for Spurs, making him a player of interest for Liverpool.
In addition to Huijsen and Van de Ven, Liverpool is also considering Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The England international has been a consistent and dependable figure in Palace’s backline, proving his capabilities at both club level and on the international stage, particularly during Euro 2024. Guehi’s strong defensive attributes and composure make him an attractive option for Liverpool as they look to bolster their defensive ranks.
However, signing Guehi will not be an easy task, as several other Premier League clubs are keen on acquiring his services. Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle are all monitoring his situation and could provide stiff competition for Liverpool in the race to secure his signature.
With Van Dijk’s future at the club uncertain and Ibrahima Konaté also linked with a potential departure, Liverpool may need to strengthen their defensive options significantly in the upcoming transfer window. The club’s priority is to find a long-term replacement for Van Dijk, ensuring that they maintain a solid defensive foundation in the coming seasons.
