Real Madrid ‘to eye’ Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as potential free agent | OneFootball

Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as a free agent when his current contract expires, and are monitoring his situation at Anfield as talks over an extension appear to have stalled.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Liverpool have yet to table a formal renewal for their captain, prompting suggestions he could leave for nothing at the end of his agreement, which is due to run until summer 2027.

For Florentino Perez and the Madrid board, landing a decorated defender without a fee is attractive, and aligns with a recent focus on high-profile free agents. Their thinking is also informed by Ibrahima Konate’s free switch from Merseyside to the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this summer.

With one former Liverpool mainstay already integrated, adding Van Dijk would deliver instant familiarity at centre-back, a plus for Jose Mourinho as he seeks to sustain Madrid’s dominance in Spain and in Europe.

The interest is also practical, with Antonio Rudiger’s deal nearing its end and the need for a ready-made replacement. Van Dijk, 35, finished second in the 2019 Ballon d'Or and has won every major trophy in England, credentials that could suit a short-term role in the Spanish capital.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”