Saudi Arabian clubs have made Liverpool stalwart Virgil van Dijk their No.1 defensive target

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk could reportedly leave the club this summer amid broad interest from Saudi Arabia.

The future of Virgil van Dijk at Anfield has been a source of debate in recent weeks and months as he enters the final year of his contract. As of now, there is no clear indication whether the Dutchman plans to extend his stay or leave the club.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Van Dijk’s discussions with Liverpool over a contract extension has hit an impasse. This has led to further speculation over the centre-back’s future at the club, with the Saudi Pro League clubs keeping tabs on his situation.

The Saudi Pro League clubs have admired Van Dijk for some time now. They have made the Netherlands international a ‘key target’ this summer, with the aforementioned report claiming that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to meet with the Reds superstar’s agents to discuss a deal in the coming weeks.

Al-Nassr is among the most interested clubs for Van Dijk’s signature. They are looking to offload Aymeric Laporte and replace him with the Liverpool stalwart for the upcoming campaign. The report adds the PIF-controlled outfit wants to make the Dutch star the next possible high-profile acquisition, with the entire league from the Middle East keen on his services.

Van Dijk is currently busy with the Netherlands national team at the 2024 European Championships. Despite an underwhelming campaign, the Oranje have made it to the knockout rounds of the competition as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stages.

After the release of Joel Matip, there is no way our club should allow Van Dijk to leave this summer. The centre-back has been a key piece in achieving both Premier League and Champions League glory in the Jurgen Klopp era, and even though he isn’t getting younger and will turn 33 next month, new manager Arne Slot must keep hold of his compatriot at any cost.

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Given his status, aura and value, losing Van Dijk in a summer when the club is entering a new era would be disastrous. Our club must retain the Breda-born player’s services and reject any potential eye-watering bid from Saudi Arabia that arrives, just like we did for Mohamed Salah last summer.