Galatasaray ‘to target’ Virgil van Dijk, Antonio Rüdiger lined up | OneFootball

Galatasaray are weighing a marquee centre-back move this summer, with Virgil van Dijk in their sights.

Habertürk reports that club officials are working on a plan to bring the Liverpool defender to the Bosphorus, and that Antonio Rüdiger has been identified as an alternative. Van Dijk’s contract runs until 2027, and the 34-year-old is said to want one last lucrative deal, with a decision expected after the World Cup on whether to stay at Anfield or seek a new challenge.

After what he described as an unacceptable season, Liverpool are expected to reshape their squad, though few anticipate that happening without their long-serving captain. He also stressed the need to fix things for next season, comments that did not sound like a farewell.

Rüdiger’s Real Madrid deal expires at the end of the season, which could make him a realistic option. At the end of March, Spanish outlets reported he would need to accept a deep pay cut to remain at the Bernabéu, with a gross salary of €14 million potentially being halved, similar to Luka Modric’s final season.

There are suggestions his representatives have explored a move to Saudi Arabia, although security concerns are viewed as a deterrent. Juventus are monitoring the 33-year-old’s situation.

Istanbul has long lured star names. Last summer, Leroy Sané joined Galatasaray on a free from Bayern Munich, while Cimbom paid €75 million to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli.

Source: Goal.com