Virgil van Dijk: ‘Big money’ Liverpool signing will ‘definitely happen’
Liverpool will “definitely” land a “big-money” deal to sign a new centre-back in the summer if Virgil van Dijk does not commit to a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that “at least one” centre-back will be brought in to bolster their defence if the Dutchman leaves.
This comes as the 33-year-old has less than a year remaining on his current contract at Anfield and will be free to discuss a pre-contract deal in January ahead of a possible free transfer.
While the club remain keen to tie their captain down to a new contract, they are putting the necessary plans in place to land a replacement.
The signing of a new centre-back has risen up their list of priorities as they look to strengthen the back line of Arne Slot’s side.
Football Insider revealed on 10 November that Liverpool have set aside funds to land a marquee defender signing in the January transfer window.
However, should they lose Van Dijk at the end of the season, they will be forced to bring in a big-money signing in an attempt to replace him.
Liverpool targeting Virgil van Dijk replacements amid contract uncertainty
However, the Reds will be prepared for any eventuality and have already begun assessing their options and potential replacements.
Among them is Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi, who will have just 12 months remaining on his deal at Selhurst Park in the summer of 2025.
The Reds were interested in his signature during the summer before his £70million price tag proved prohibitive, but that asking price is now expected to drop.
It is said he ticks plenty of boxes and would fit perfectly into Slot’s system, putting him near the top of the list of potential replacements for Van Dijk.
Despite that, Guehi remains just one of a number of defenders being tracked by Liverpool as they consider their options ahead of the transfer window.
Negotiations with Van Dijk remain high on the Reds’ list of priorities, but there is a growing belief a decision will not be made until closer to the end of the season.
In other news, Liverpool plan to open Andy Robertson contract talks.
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