Virgil Van Dijk ‘unhappy’ over Liverpool exit plan as agent ‘working overtime’
Liverpool are banking on interest from Saudi Arabia amid suggestions that they could sell veteran centre-back Virgil van Dijk this summer.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that a move to the MLS could also be an option for the 35-year-old.
This comes amid reports that Liverpool are considering the idea of selling their captain this summer, as he is now into the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield.
Wyness has outlined that Van Dijk and his camp are “unhappy” with those exit plans, after he played every single minute of Premier League action last term.
The Reds are looking at a rebuild this summer after losing the established duo of Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, and Van Dijk could soon be about to follow them out the door.
Andoni Iraola is trying to stamp his image on the squad ahead of next season, and that could see further experienced heads cut from the group.
Liverpool may have issue with Saudi Arabia sale
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Liverpool may face an issue when it comes to trying to attract Middle Eastern interest in Van Dijk.
The Scottish businessman stressed that the Pro League have slowly tried to navigate away from paying big money for older stars with big reputations.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained the current state of play regarding Van Dijk’s future.
“I'm sure they're hoping Saudi Arabia will come through, although the Saudi market does seem to be a little bit tougher on the older players these days,” he said.
“America could possibly be an option as well. But I think Virgil will be unhappy that he may now have to find an exit. His agent will be working overtime. There aren't many clubs around that could offer some sort of package for him at the required level.”
How much would Liverpool get for Virgil Van Dijk?
Wyness also told Football Insider that Liverpool are unlikely to land more than £10million for their star in today’s market.
The defender’s age and contract situation both work against the Reds at the moment, who also aren’t keen on the idea of losing him for free next summer.
Wyness believes that they may accept an offer that clears the £10m mark if it arrives this summer, and take the win of clearing the Dutchman’s lofty wages from their books.
Van Dijk has been a fantastic servant to Liverpool in recent years, but he could be about to become the next experienced star to leave Anfield.