Liverpool are reportedly preparing for alternatives if Virgil van Dijk decides to leave the club at the end of the season.
According to a report by Football Insider, Liverpool are prepared to pay a substantial amount of money for a new player if Virgil van Dijk leaves. The report further states that Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is among the targets.
The 24-year-old England international has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league, and he was heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window. However, the Eagles were holding out for a substantial amount of money, and the defender ended up staying at the South London club.
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool decide to make a move for him in the coming months. Virgil van Dijk will be a free agent in the summer of 2025, and Liverpool have not managed to secure an agreement with the player over a new deal despite being keen on securing his future.
Liverpool will struggle to replace their captain
Virgil van Dijk is one of the best players in the Premier League, and replacing the Dutch defender will be a tough job for Liverpool. They will need to find a top-quality player, and Guehi should prove to be a useful acquisition. The Englishman has proven himself in the Premier League, and he could make an instant impact at Liverpool.
The England international will feel that this is the right time for him to make a step up in his career and join a club capable of winning major trophies. Liverpool could provide him with that platform.
The Crystal Palace star would undoubtedly be a quality addition for most clubs in the league. However, Liverpool should do everything in their power to keep the 77-cap Dutch international at the club. Virgil van Dijk is a world-class defender, and his leadership skills are invaluable to the dressing room as well.
There is no doubt that the 24-year-old England international is a quality player, but he is simply not at the level of the Dutch international defender yet. Almost any other defender in European football would be a downgrade on Van Dijk.
