Rumours have it that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone had given up on signing Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after strong signals that he was ready to sign a new contract and stay at Anfield.
The Dutch centre-back joined Liverpool for a record €84.65 million from Southampton in January 2018.
Not many hours after Paris Saint-Germain had sent Liverpool out of the Champions League, in what Arne Slet described as “the best game he has ever been in”, a video was circulating on social media of a Liverpool captain in talks with the “football enemy”. Now we understand why Liverpool are already working on a push towards signing their replacement.
Okay, the video shows three grown guys talking to each other without us knowing what, but when Virgil van Dijk is one of them, and the other two are the bosses at PSG, then it gets noticed. There has been little, if any, movement in the negotiations for an extension between Liverpool and the Dutch captain, so for Liverpool supporters, the video was disturbing.
When a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain is possible, it is not at all impossible with a transfer to Atletico Madrid either. Diego Simeone still wants one of the best centre-backs in the world and now an opportunity has opened up.
Atlético Madrid have set their sights on Virgil van Dijk, who could become a free agent this summer if he does not renew himself with Liverpool. The potential departure of the Dutch defender has aroused interest from several clubs, and the red and white team does not want to miss the opportunity to strengthen the defence with a player of his experience and size.
The team led by Diego Simeone is seeking defensive solidity for the upcoming season and believes that Van Dijk will fit perfectly into their system. At 33 years old, the centre-back is still a key figure in his position, and his possible availability without transfer costs makes him a very attractive signing. However, Atlético are not the only team to follow the Dutchman’s situation closely, as Bayern Munich have also shown interest in signing him.
Reports from England suggest that Liverpool are yet to make a final decision on the future of their captain. The English club wants to extend his contract, but there is still no closed deal, giving Van Dijk the opportunity to explore other options. At the same time, Real Madrid, although they want to strengthen their defence, are prioritising younger players, which could give Atlético an edge in the race for signing.
In the coming months, Van Dijk’s future will be one of the most followed topics in the transfer market. If the Dutchman ultimately decides to move on, Atlético Madrid will have to compete with other European giants.
There are some exciting weeks ahead of us.
