Report: Premier League champion’s agents tried to force a move to Real Madrid last season | OneFootball

As Real Madrid prepare to take on Liverpool in their third UEFA Champions League group stage encounter, an intriguing revelation from AS has resurfaced, shedding light on a chapter that could have dramatically altered the career of Virgil van Dijk.

According to the report, there was a moment not long ago when Van Dijk’s representatives reached out to Real Madrid in an attempt to explore a possible move to the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Despite the Dutchman’s world-class reputation, that door “had always remained closed.”

What’s the story?

The story reveals that during a tense period last season, the Liverpool captain pushed negotiations to the limit before agreeing to his contract renewal. 

Van Dijk reportedly waited until the very last moment before accepting Liverpool’s extension offer until 2027.

Throughout that period, Van Dijk’s camp is said to have contacted intermediaries in Spain in a final effort to open talks with Real Madrid. 

Virgil van Dijk wanted to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

The centre-back was eager to explore the opportunity of playing for Real Madrid, but the Los Blancos remained unmoved.

Why did Real Madrid reject him?

One of the major reasons behind Real Madrid’s reluctance was the serious cruciate ligament injury Van Dijk suffered in 2020. 

Although the Dutch defender has since fully recovered, Madrid’s technical staff reportedly viewed the risk as too high and opted to pursue other options. 

Their decision was later reflected in the signing of Dean Huijsen, seen as part of the club’s next defensive generation.

Now 34, Van Dijk ultimately chose stability and loyalty, committing to Liverpool instead of embarking on a late-career move to Spain. 

Despite his agents’ efforts, Real Madrid never seriously considered the transfer, closing the door once and for all on what could have been one of the most unexpected moves in recent memory.