LaLiga powerhouse Real Madrid is said to be weighing up a swoop for the seasoned Liverpool and Netherlands centre-back, Virgil van Dijk, who is set to become a free agent when his deal runs out at the conclusion of the current campaign. The 35-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year extension back in April 2025 during the 2025/26 season and has kept on producing outstanding displays in the Reds’ defensive line.
Based on media reports, his demeanour suggests he is keen to stay at the club, yet he disclosed in September that Liverpool had not yet begun negotiations regarding a fresh contract. That situation has opened the door for a possible free transfer next summer.
Still, the Real Madrid connection is not a done deal by any means. Outlets such as Mundo Deportivo have merely listed Los Blancos as possible suitors, but this has concerned former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey enough that he has urged the club to move quickly on Van Dijk’s contractual situation.
The Real Madrid dimension
There is, nevertheless, an obvious explanation for why the rumours have picked up steam on the Madrid side. The La Liga heavyweights have already secured the signature of his former Liverpool teammate Konaté, while their present backline also features Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, and Dean Huijsen. Van Dijk would thus offer experience rather than serve as a long-term rebuilding component.
The equation is also different from their perspective. A free transfer significantly lowers the financial exposure, while Van Dijk’s know-how could prove useful in Champions League matches. However, bringing in a 36-year-old centre-back in 2027 would only be logical as a short-term solution. Madrid already possesses younger defensive alternatives, especially Huijsen, and should not let Van Dijk’s standing overshadow their plans for the future.
Should Liverpool move on from Van Dijk?
Liverpool’s transfer activity indicates that the club is already bracing for life after its ageing defensive spine. After allowing Ibrahima Konaté to join Real Madrid, they secured Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes on a long-term arrangement. During the previous season, they brought in Giovanni Leoni as another significant investment in the future. Jacquet was particularly seen as someone capable of ultimately filling the shoes of Van Dijk and Konaté.
Ronald Araújo has also joined from Barcelona on a season-long loan, handing Andoni Iraola another seasoned choice at centre-back. His showings up to now have also sparked suggestions that the club might look into signing him on a permanent basis from Barcelona. Even so, that does not mean Liverpool ought to push Van Dijk out hastily. At 35, he is still a vital starter and has started the season as a ever-present Premier League performer. His worth now extends beyond defending: he supplies leadership, organisation, and a benchmark for younger defenders.
Liverpool would be wiser to hand him another short-term deal, most likely with lower expectations regarding playing time rather than treating his age as an automatic justification for departure. Jacquet and Leoni can grow without instantly bearing the full weight of replacing him.