Football News Update: Liverpool Defender Virgil van Dijk Reportedly Courted by Saudi Pro League Side Al Nassr
In a surprising development, reports indicate that Liverpool and Netherlands centre-back Virgil van Dijk is being pursued by Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. The 32-year-old defender’s long-term future at Anfield is in doubt, with his current contract set to expire in 2025.
According to reports from Spain, Al Nassr is keen to make Van Dijk the highest-paid defender in the world. The Saudi Pro League club, which already boasts the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Alex Telles, and Aymeric Laporte in its squad, has reportedly “met with Van Dijk’s representatives” to discuss a potential move.
“The Saudi Pro League is expected to continue its pursuit of leading players from European clubs.”
However, this story has been refuted by The Liverpool Echo, which claims that Liverpool have had no contact from Al Nassr regarding a bid for their captain. The Merseyside club is said to be planning on Van Dijk remaining at Anfield next season, as they look to accelerate contract extension talks with the Dutchman, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, whose deals also expire in 2024.
While the Saudi Pro League is expected to continue its pursuit of leading players from European clubs, Liverpool are adamant that they have no desire to allow Salah to depart this transfer window. Alisson Becker is also understood to have no interest in a move to the Middle East at this time.
As the football world eagerly awaits the start of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the Champions League, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Women’s World Cup, this potential transfer saga involving Virgil van Dijk and Al Nassr will undoubtedly be closely monitored by football enthusiasts worldwide. The Africa Cup of Nations standings and the latest developments in the Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup will also be of keen interest to fans.
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