Virgil van Dijk: Clubs offering 'big' money to quit Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk could be tempted to walk away from Liverpool at the end of the season amid uncertainty over his contract.

The 35-year-old's current deal is set to expire next summer, and the club are currently weighing up whether to offer him an extension or to let him leave on a free transfer.

His situation has sparked interest from across world football, with clubs keeping a close eye on developments, and moves could be made to lure him away from Anfield.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Saudi Pro League clubs could make convincing offers to tempt Van Dijk into not signing a new deal.

The Netherlands international has been a long-term target for clubs in the Middle East, having initially plotted moves to lure him in before he penned his most recent extension in 2025.

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.

Could Virgil van Dijk join the Saudi Pro League?

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in July that Liverpool had entertained the possibility of selling Van Dijk to Saudi clubs during the summer window.

With just one year remaining on his contract, the club had considered cashing in a year early, but ultimately opted to keep him at the club at least for another season.

Talks are expected to be held over his future before the turn of the year, but while his contract continues to tick down, the interest in Van Dijk is not going away.

"There are a lot of opportunities and clubs willing to take Van Dijk away from Liverpool," Brown told Football Insider.

"If a player of his quality and reputation becomes available on a free transfer, he's always going to have suitors, and they will be keeping a close eye on his situation.

"I'm told clubs in Saudi Arabia are interested, and I'm sure he could be tempted by the money on offer there, because many players before him have been.

"If he decides to leave Liverpool, or Liverpool decide to let him go, he's going to have plenty of opportunities waiting for him.

"A lot will depend on what happens in talks with Liverpool because it's not out of the question that he could stay, but at 35 now, you have to wonder where he will end his career."

What is the latest on Van Dijk's contract situation?

Speculation surrounding Van Dijk's future at Liverpool comes as he edges closer towards his contract expiring, with no decision having been made over a potential renewal.

When he penned a new two-year deal in 2025, after much deliberation, there were suggestions that he would see out this contract and then move on, but that may have changed.

Brown told Football Insider on 8 September that Liverpool are set to hold internal talks about Van Dijk's future and whether or not they will offer him a contract extension.

The Netherlands international's age and an apparent downturn in his performances over the last 12 months are set to force the Reds into a decision amid ongoing uncertainty.

However, there are doubts about how strong their defence is without their captain marshalling them, which could push the club to offer him a new deal.