Liverpool is on the move to get a new main defender as we may see the end of Virgil van Dijk at the club.
The price tag for their defensive target is almost set, hinting at a massive shift in the backline.
Since joining Liverpool from Southampton for £75m in 2018, Van Dijk has been key, helping the team win their first top league title in 30 years and the Champions League.
Even at 33, he keeps playing great, but there are still talks about how long he’ll stay, as his deal ends in summer 2025.
Along with him, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah’s contracts are up soon too.
Liverpool’s primary goal is to renew the contracts of these key players.
However, Van Dijk’s recent comments have raised concerns about his future.
Following the Netherlands’ elimination from Euro 2024, he hinted at reflecting on his career direction.
“This summer, I will carefully consider my plans for my club career and my role as an international player,” Van Dijk stated.
In reply, Liverpool is speeding up their plan to get a left-footed centre-back.
Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP is their main pick.
Also Read: Liverpool Rejects £4M Bid For Nat Phillips, Eyes On Joao Neves
The 22-year-old can be bought for around £51m, but Liverpool hopes to talk them down to a smaller price.
Inacio would fill the void left by Joel Matip, who recently left the club as a free agent.
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool currently has Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah as centre-back options.
Nat Phillips is expected to depart, with an offer from Turkey already on the table.
Slot must also decide whether to incorporate Sepp van den Berg into the squad following his successful loan at Mainz.
However, Van den Berg is keen to move to PSV Eindhoven and hopes Liverpool will reduce their £20m asking price to facilitate the transfer.
The departures of Van den Berg and Phillips would prompt Liverpool to secure a new centre-back, especially since Gomez often covers full-back positions.
Signing Inacio would provide Slot with an immediate defensive option and a long-term successor to Van Dijk.
If Liverpool completes the Inacio deal this summer, the Portuguese defender would have a full season to adapt to English football before potentially stepping into Van Dijk’s role.
If Liverpool cannot finalize the Inacio deal, they have other centre-back options in mind, including Jean-Clair Todibo , Marc Guehi, and Willian Pacho .
In summary, Liverpool’s progress in securing a new centre-back underscores their preparations for a future without Van Dijk, ensuring they maintain a solid defense while navigating potential changes in their lineup.
