Virgil van Dijk offered to Real Madrid on free transfer | OneFootball

The representatives of Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk are reported to have offered the Dutchman's services to Real Madrid as he approaches the end of his contract at Anfield.

Now in the final six months of his deal, Van Dijk is one of three high-profile players causing significant concern for Liverpool as their contracts wind down. Mohamed Salah continues to put immense public pressure on the Reds, while right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is Real Madrid's top target for the summer transfer window.

According to Relevo, Madrid were also given the chance to snap up Van Dijk. The 33-year-old's agents are said to have reached out to discuss a massive free transfer, aware Madrid are looking to bolster in defence.

It is claimed that Van Dijk was ready to head to the Santiago Bernabeu when the offer was made, but Madrid officials ultimately rejected the proposal.

While obviously aware of Van Dijk's quality, Madrid felt as though the Dutch international is too old for their plans, instead preferring to pursue a younger centre-back capable of leading the team for the next decade.

Just when this proposal was made is unclear. Van Dijk was publicly asked about a transfer to Madrid when they faced his Liverpool side in November 2024, but was quick to brush off the speculation.

Now, Liverpool are believed to be growing in confidence about their chances of securing Van Dijk's future with a new contract, but doubts remain about Alexander-Arnold after Madrid tried to accelerate their plans with a January bid for the Englishman.