Virgil van Dijk must accept new role after Liverpool 'approach' for proven centre-back
Virgil van Dijk seems close to the end of his career at Anfield as Liverpool pursue Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven.
The 34-year-old is part of the Netherlands squad, along with his defensive compatriot, and started for Ronald Koeman's team in the 2-2 draw against Japan.
At Dallas Stadium on 14 June, the Spurs star played at left-back, but the Reds already have Milos Kerkez and the returning Konstantinos Tsimikas in that position.
If Liverpool do manage to sign Van de Ven from Tottenham, Van Dijk may have to settle for a diminished role as he sees out the final year of his contract at Anfield.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the veteran Dutch ace end his stint in Merseyside next year and the hierarchy in L4 looks to be planning for his eventual departure.
The North London outfit's 25-year-old defender would certainly be a decent addition to the Reds' backline and is still rated highly despite an inconsistent Premier League season.
Liverpool make move for Micky van de Ven transfer
Van de Ven joined Tottenham in a £43million package deal from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023 and has since drawn a lot of attention, especially for his recovery speed.
In the 2025-26 campaign, the centre-back scored seven goals in all competitions for Spurs, who struggled for a reliable goalscorer as they finished 17th in the Premier League.
Sources say the Reds have approached the centre-back regarding a potential move to Anfield.
Van de Ven has reached an impasse in talks with Spurs over a new deal, and top clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, are now looking to capitalise on the situation.
Micky van de Ven move to Anfield looks possible
Sources told Football Insider in May that Van de Ven wasn't happy at Tottenham and Liverpool were among the clubs in the race to sign him this summer.
While the centre-back's current deal at Spurs runs until June 2029, it wouldn't be surprising to see them cash in on him sooner rather than later.
The North London outfit have confirmed the arrivals of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, potentially opening the doors for defensive exits from N17.