Virgil van Dijk is surprisingly open to moving to the Saudi Pro League and has given the green light for clubs to approach Liverpool over a possible summer move.
According to reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Virgil van Dijk is the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League. Clubs from the league have been in touch with the Dutch defender’s representatives, and he has given the green light for them to approach Liverpool over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
The rise and rise of Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has been one of the best defenders in the world for over half a dozen years. A native of Breda, he began his youth career in his hometown but spent most of his formative years with Willem II. However, the Dutchman turned professional at FC Groningen before making his mark at Celtic and Southampton.
The experienced defender’s exploits for Southampton made him the most highly sought-after defender in the world before Liverpool snapped him in January 2018. The 33-year-old has come leaps and bounds at Anfield while helping Liverpool win every major trophy at the club level, including the elusive Premier League title.
The Dutch defender has turned out 270 times thus far for Liverpool while chipping in with 23 goals and 12 assists. However, van Dijk’s long-term future at Anfield is uncertain after entering the final 12 months of his contract. Such a situation has captured the attention of several Saudi Pro League clubs, while Liverpool will look to tie him to a new contract.
Saudi move on the cards?
Widespread reports have linked Virgil van Dijk with a few Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al-Nassr. The latest update has revealed that the Saudi Pro League representatives have met the Dutchman’s entourage, with the Liverpool captain giving the green light for them to approach the Reds.
Virgil van Dijk’s decision is surprising, considering he remains one of the first names on the team sheet. However, now might be the ideal time for the Dutch defender to earn a lucrative contract and set himself up for life. Meanwhile, Liverpool will demand around €55 million to part ways with him.
The valuation of €55 million is surprising, considering Virgil van Dijk’s age and contract length. However, that is the price a club must pay to land one of the best defenders in the world in the summer transfer window.
