Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk could leave the club this summer, rather than seeing out his contract in June 2027, according to comments made by agent David Lavelle to Italian outlet Oggi Sport Notizie, via Sport Witness. The news comes amid a period of significant change at Anfield, with new manager Andoni Iraola inheriting a squad that has already seen the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Liverpool recently experienced difficulties in renewing the contract of Ibrahima Konate, Van Dijk’s central defensive partner, who ultimately joined Real Madrid. The club has been active in the transfer market, successfully securing the signing of Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Newcastle United for a fee of €40m (£34.5m) and are pursuing Yan Diomande, with an initial €100m (£86m) bid rejected by RB Leipzig.
Lavelle also discussed the future of goalkeeper Alisson, revealing that the Brazilian had agreed personal terms with Juventus earlier in the summer, but a transfer was blocked due to Liverpool’s reluctance to sell. Juventus’ initial offer of €7m (£6m) was deemed insufficient, prompting Lavelle to suggest that Van Dijk’s departure could also be finalised. He stated that Iraola will want to assess the entire squad, and with Alisson entering the final year of his contract, a move could materialise.
Lavelle highlighted the importance of experienced players within the squad, suggesting Liverpool may wish to retain Alisson for his leadership qualities. However, he also indicated that players of Van Dijk’s stature are likely to move on, as the club looks to reshape its team. Galatasaray has been repeatedly mentioned in Turkish press reports as a potential destination for the Dutch defender.
Van Dijk, aged 34, remains a key figure for Liverpool, though his long-term future at the club is now uncertain. While he is widely expected to remain at Anfield for at least one more season, a new contract has not been ruled out if he continues to perform at a high level. A potential move for Van Dijk would represent a significant shift in Liverpool’s defensive setup, potentially ushering in a new era under Iraola.
