Liverpool continues its partnership with Virgil van Dijk (34, Liverpool).
Well-known British journalist Sami Mokbel reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "following Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk is also likely to remain with Liverpool."
Van Dijk is a defender who showcases world-class defensive skills utilizing his excellent aerial competition abilities and physicality in ground battles. Despite standing at 195 cm tall, he demonstrates agility and speed, maintaining an advantage in speed battles against quick attackers, allowing Liverpool to maintain a high defensive line. With calm judgment and defensive intelligence, he preemptively blocks dangerous situations and actively contributes to attacking developments with precise passes and long balls during build-up play.
However, his tendency to avoid hustle plays and occasional psychological defending could lead to conceding goals, which is considered a disadvantage.
Van Dijk, aged 33, has been the subject of various reports regarding a renewal of his contract with Liverpool. Among these, many reports suggest that they may part ways after the contract expires.
Mokbel noted, "Internally at Liverpool, there is growing expectation that captain van Dijk will sign a new contract in the near future, following attacker Mohamed Salah."
He added, "After months of negotiations, van Dijk is reported to be very close to a two-year contract renewal. Salah is also in the final stages of contract negotiations under similar conditions."
He stated, "While neither player's contract is officially completed yet, the current atmosphere suggests that the chances of Salah or van Dijk leaving Liverpool next season are very low. For Liverpool, the renewal of these two players is very positive news. Currently, Liverpool is leading the Premier League, with an 11-point gap over second place."
Mokbel explained that there is a clear reason for both players being offered two-year contracts. He said, "First of all, Liverpool has the advantage of being able to maintain its core players stably for at least the next two years. Since the contract expiry issues of van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold have continuously affected the team's atmosphere this season under manager Arne Slot, it allows the team to minimize this confusion at least until next year."
He added, "In the case of Alexander-Arnold, there have been reports of transfer negotiations with Real Madrid, indicating that Liverpool is not entirely certain about his retention."
For Liverpool, which is preparing for a generational shift in both attack and defense, the presence of a 'world-class veteran center-back' cannot be undervalued. Mokbel stated, "If van Dijk signs a new contract, one of the major tasks Liverpool must address this summer will be alleviated. If he had left, Liverpool would have had to sign a first-team level central defender, and thus would have been reviewing left center-backs or left-footed defenders in advance."
He mentioned, "Candidates such as Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi and AFC Bournemouth's Dean Harrison have been analyzed, but it remains unclear how deeply the club was interested."
Of course, this is not a situation where Liverpool can simply sit back. Mokbel explained, "Since van Dijk's partner Ibrahima Konaté has one year left on his contract, Liverpool will likely need to make decisions about his future soon. The future plans for players like Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez in the current squad also remain uncertain."
Along with van Dijk, Salah will also remain. Mokbel emphasized, "Salah's retention also holds great significance for Liverpool. He has recorded 54 attacking points (including 32 goals) so far this season, showcasing peak performance. Until news of Salah's contract negotiations surfaced, the Saudi Pro League harbored hopes of bringing him in."
He further mentioned, "After a financially stable summer transfer market, Liverpool's top priority this summer will be acquiring a central striker. Alexander Isak from Newcastle United is one of the top candidates, but it is assessed that the likelihood of Newcastle allowing his transfer is low."
Liverpool is also planning to acquire full-backs. This is due to lingering questions about Alexander-Arnold's situation and Andy Robertson's long-term utilization. Mokbel added that "Miloš Kerkez from Bournemouth and Antonee Robinson from Fulham are reported to be among the candidates."
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