Since moving to Liverpool from Southampton, Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has transformed the defence as a defensive leaguer, making over 270 appearances. Not only does he defend, but he also comes close to scoring the opposition’s goal from high-striking headers on corner kicks.
However, the player is now 33 years old and is also a veteran. In addition, his current contract is running out in June 2025 and his departure is attracting a lot of attention. Although it was expected that a successor would be secured in the summer, as a result, no one was brought in to the centre-back ranks.
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool’s leaders have identified a replacement for the veteran Dutch defender and have targeted Brazilian defender Gleison Bremer, who plays for Juventus.
The 27-year-old centre-back, who is a strong, physical defender, has been a mainstay at Juventus under new coach Thiago Motta and has been on the pitch for close to 100 games. He has also made five appearances for the talent-rich Brazil national team since his debut in 2022.
He also possesses the speed and technique required of a modern centre-back and has developed into one of Europe’s top defenders. It is not inconceivable that he could leave a club that has fallen out of the championship in Italy in recent years and challenge for the Premier League, the world’s top flight.
Liverpool are said to be targeting a left-back who can also play at left-back, but will they be looking to whitewash a player who, like Van Dijk, is right-handed and can also be used as a left-sided centre-back…?