Liverpool's ideal Virgil van Dijk replacement is available this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool are in a transition period, and this summer will be key in the team’s evolution.

Two of the club’s most experienced players, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, are leaving for free, and others could follow suit.

Ibrahima Konate is into the final few weeks of his deal and talk of a move to Italy has persisted for Alisson.

The Reds have already begun preparing their new-look defence with the additions of Giovanni Leoni last summer and Jeremy Jacquet this summer, but another defensive addition could be on the cards.

With Virgil van Dijk about to enter the final year of his deal, the time to replace Liverpool’s captain could be upon us.

Ideal Van Dijk replacement hands in transfer request

Filling the boots of Van Dijk, one of football’s greatest ever defenders, will be a nearly impossible task but there is one player better suited to it than any other.

That man is Josko Gvardiol, who currently plays for Manchester City but will be available this summer.

The 24-year-old has declared his admiration for Liverpool before, and the Reds may have the opportunity to finally bring him to Anfield.

According to a report from Caughtoffside, the Croatian will be available for around €75 million (~£65m) and is actively pushing for a move away from Manchester.

Bayern Munich appear to be leading the race, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan all also reportedly interested.

The report doesn’t name Liverpool as a suitor, but Gvardiol’s compatability with the Reds’ needs will surely see him appear on Richard Hughes radar.

Standing at 6ft1, the left-footed defender is well-versed in playing as both a central defender and a left-back and would be the perfect replacement for Van Dijk.

Even if the Dutchman stays for another year, Gvardiol would no doubt get minutes alongside him and also covering for Milos Kerkez.

Wherever Gvardiol ends up is likely to be his home for a few seasons at least, so the Reds cannot afford to pass on the opportunity to sign him.