Liverpool 'ready' to let Virgil van Dijk leave as 'major concerns' grow
Liverpool are prepared to let Virgil van Dijk leave upon the expiry of his contract next summer with plans made behind the scenes.
The 35-year-old long-time untouchable is out of contract in June 2027, but regardless of whether he pens a new deal, there is a growing belief that he will need to be replaced next year.
Andoni Iraola's side are aware that he will take some replacing given the crucial role he has played for the club in recent years, and work is alraedy ongoing to identify targets.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool's worries about Van Dijk's future have come alongside "major concerns" in their back line.
The centre-back is not the only one facing question-marks over his future at Anfield and his role in the side, with a potential overhaul coming alongside his exit.
As a result, Liverpool are preparing to see Van Dijk move on, with work being done to identify replacements and prepare for a long-term future without their captain.
Are Liverpool ready to lose Virgil van Dijk?
Football Insider revealed on 11 September that Liverpool have delayed talks about a new contract for Van Dijk until later in the season when they will make a final decision.
He remains a crucial part of Iraola's starting XI for now, but concerns about his age and the club's long-term plans mean no decision has been made yet.
It has been suggested that the club are edging towards letting him go, however, adding to the uncertainty and forcing them to prepare for his departure.
"Liverpool have got a problem with Van Dijk and his contract situation," Brown told Football Insider.
"He's 35 years old now, he'll be turning 36 when his contract expires next summer, so even if they do decide to keep him around, how much longer has he got at this level?
"So when you factor that into your thinking, I think they will be ready to let him move on, and then they'll have to look into his replacement.
"Given what he's done for them over the years, that's a lot easier said than done, but I'm told work is already ongoing behind the scenes because they know they will need somebody.
"They've definitely got major concerns at centre-half, and with the rest of the back line as well, because there are question marks about a number of those defensive players.
"So losing Van Dijk will be a blow to them, but it's something they have to be prepared for and that is already being considered behind the scenes."
Which clubs are interested in signing Van Dijk?
Amid growing doubts about Van Dijk's long-term future at Anfield, a number of clubs are believed to have been placed on high alert by his potential availability.
Should the Netherlands international become available on a free transfer next summer, a host of clubs across Europe and the world could look to lure him in.
Brown told Football Insider on 10 September that Saudi Pro League clubs are extremely interested in Van Dijk and have been keeping tabs on his situation since 2025.
Middle Eastern clubs have the financial capabilities to make convincing offers to the Liverpool captain, and will be confident of securing a deal if he leaves Liverpool.
Van Dijk is also expected to have suitors elsewhere, with clubs in the MLS and Turkey having shown in recent months their ability to offer big wages to tempt players in.