Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs interested in securing the services of Inter Milan centre-back Stefan de Vrij this summer.
According to Ziggo Sport, Stefan de Vrij could be on his way out of Inter Milan in the summer, with the Serie A giants seemingly bracing themselves for life without their key defender. It has put Premier League duo Liverpool and Manchester City on red alert, although they could also face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
Regarded as one of the best defenders in the Italian top-flight, de Vrij is one of many top-class centre-backs that will be available this summer, joining the likes of David Alaba, Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate and Jerome Boateng while Dayot Upamecano has already agreed to join Bayern Munich in the summer.
The 29-year-old centre-back has been playing for Inter Milan for almost three years now, having notched up 118 competitive appearances since joining the club from Lazio in 2018. He has been quite consistent at the heart of the backline and is reaping the rewards in the ongoing as his defensive contributions have played a major factor in helping Inter emerge as the favourites in the Serie A title race.
Indeed, the Dutch international has created a formidable defensive partnership with Alessandro Bastoni and Milan Skriniar, helping the Nerazzurri attain the second-best defensive record in the league.
And, de Vrij’s leadership, combined with his game-reading abilities seem to have raised the eyebrows for Liverpool, who are expected to enter the market for a new central defensive figure this summer. They have already been linked with a summer swoop for Ibrahima Konate.
The Dutchman, in that regard, could offer some much-needed competition to the likes of Joe Gomez, Nat Phillips and potentially, the duo of Ozan Kabak and Konate, if they do join Liverpool in the summer. But perhaps, most importantly, a switch to Merseyside would see de Vrij reunite with Virgil van Dijk.
The two play together for the Dutch national team, which should help him settle in quickly at Anfield. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool do make a move for de Vrij, especially if they end up signing both Konate and Kabak as Jurgen Klopp looks to operate with limited funds.
What will Ibrahima Konate bring to the table for Liverpool? | THT Opinions
It is also fair to point out the interest from Manchester City, who could be an ideal suitor for de Vrij – as a more stable and fitter alternative for Nathan Ake. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool or Manchester City can swoop the 29-year-old Dutch defender away from Inter Milan this coming summer.
