The giant European teams that are interested in Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool captain and undisputed leader Virgil van Dijk is having one of his best seasons at 33 years old , just as his contract with the Reds ends in June. With more than 2,730 minutes in 31 games and an impeccable performance, the Dutch centre-back remains a key player in Jürgen Klopp's team.

The uncertainty surrounding his future has generated speculation, and according to his former teammate José Fonte, it would not be strange to see him at an elite club such as Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid or Bayern Munich next season.

Van Dijk in the sights of Europe's big clubs

The Dutch defender has shown admirable resilience following the serious injury he suffered in 2021, which kept him off the pitch for 10 months . Since then, he has not only recovered, but has reached an outstanding level, consolidating himself as one of the best centre-backs of his generation.

Van Dijk's former teammate at Southampton and current player for Portuguese side Casa Pia, José Fonte, said that the Dutchman has three or four more years at the highest level and would be a great addition for clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich .

“Van Dijk would thrive in any of those teams and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at one of them next season. He is a reliable defender and if he doesn’t renew with Liverpool, all the big clubs will be watching ,” Fonte said.

Renewal or change of scenery?

At the end of 2024, Van Dijk himself mentioned that he saw himself playing at the highest level for two or three more years , although he left his continuity at Anfield up in the air.

“We’ll see what the future holds ,” he said in December, although he also reaffirmed his love for Liverpool: “I love the club and the club loves me. The fans support me and I support them, that’s a great basis for success . ”

As the end of the season approaches, European giants will be keeping a close eye on his contract situation. Will he make the jump to La Liga or the Bundesliga , or continue his legacy at Liverpool?