Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk is still in talks with Liverpool to extend his contract, and although he will be 34 this year, he is physical enough to play at the top level for the next few years, and both club and player are open to a new contract.
However, if no agreement is reached, he can leave on a free transfer. Then came shocking news from the south of Europe. According to El Nacional, Barcelona are interested in acquiring the Liverpool captain.
The club’s sporting director, former Portuguese midfielder Deco, is keeping an eye on the Dutch centre-back’s situation and is keen on the opportunity. They are also considering the option of selling Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo, who has extended his contract until 2031.
The Spanish club, which has struggled financially in recent years, has also struggled to register players for the league. Despite releasing high-end acquisition Ilkay Gündoğan and others last summer, they have had a history of last-minute registration of reinforced Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo.
If this situation continues, even if new players are brought in, they will not be allowed to play. In order to free up that slot, it is inevitable that the player will be sold. If Barcelona were to get serious about this, it would be when there is a prospect of redundancy.
However, the Dutch defender wants to extend his contract with Liverpool, so a move to Spain is not realistic. Will the 33-year-old centre-back still play at Anfield next season, or will he leave for another club?