Liverpool warned Virgil van Dijk could be tempted by Real Madrid free transfer | OneFootball

Liverpool have been warned that captain Virgil van Dijk could be tempted by a free transfer to Real Madrid, with his contract in its final year.

Van Dijk is in the final season of the two-year extension he signed in April 2025, and after the 1-0 win at Bournemouth on 20 September he said talks over a new deal had not begun. "Van Dijk, he is coming to the end of his contract at Liverpool, but we've got to remember that when certain clubs come calling they turn your head whether you’re under contract or not, and Real Madrid is one of them," Heskey said. "So I'd be surprised if his head's not turned. The only thing is that Liverpool letting another big star go at the end of their contract doesn't sit well with me." He was speaking to the Liverpool Echo.

He is said to be calm about the situation, but the lack of movement has fuelled speculation over a La Liga switch next summer.

Real Madrid have reportedly identified him as a defensive target without a fee, and believe a reunion would offer an instant boost. Florentino Perez is reportedly keen to repeat the formula that saw Ibrahima Konate swap Merseyside for Madrid on a free transfer.

Heskey also tipped vice-captain Dominik Szoboszlai as the natural successor. "Dominik Szoboszlai is a future Liverpool captain," he said, urging the club to make securing the Hungarian a priority.

Source: Goal.com

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