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Published 12:33 IST, September 20th 2024

Liverpool Reportedly Target Star Young Defender as Potential Virgil van Dijk Replacement

Liverpool is said to be eyeing a prominent young defender as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk, aiming to secure their backline for the future.

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Virgil Van Dijk blasts Liverpool teammates
Virgil Van Dijk blasts Liverpool teammates | Image: AP

Considered one of Liverpool's best defenders in recent times, Virgil Van Dijk's relentless presence makes him a pillar of the team's defence. Because his contract expires next summer, Liverpool is already looking at possible successors, indicating a rigorous strategy for maintaining the team's defensive integrity should Van Dijk choose not to extend it.

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Liverpool reportedly looks for Virgil Van Dijk’s replacement 

According to reports, Liverpool is looking at Juventus defender Gleison Bremer as a replacement for captain Virgil van Dijk. Having come from Southampton in January 2018, the Dutch international is in the penultimate year of his contract at Anfield.

Now 33, Van Dijk has been a powerful defender for Liverpool, helping the team to excel in every tournament except the UEFA Europa League. Still, the team is getting ready for a change without him as concerns surround his future. TeamTalk claims that Bremer is under observation, even though the Brazilian would pay over €70 million based on his contract extension with Juventus that spans 2029.

Bremer, 27, has had a noteworthy influence since arriving from Torino in the summer of 2022; he has scored eight goals and given one assist in 88 games across all competitions. He was instrumental in Juventus' recent Coppa Italia victory, the only team to keep clean sheets in their first four Serie A games. This helps the squad keep this.

Liverpool is also considering Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP, who offers yet another alternative. Attracting attention from several teams, the 23-year-old reportedly has a €60 million release clause.

Virgil Van Dijk has embodied defensive brilliance throughout his Liverpool stay so far, making 275 appearances and notably helping with 24 goals and 12 assists. With several honours, including the esteemed UEFA Best Player in Europe award and Player of the Year for his exceptional 2018/19 campaign, his impact on the team's performance is clear. Van Dijk's importance in Liverpool's triumphs—including the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup victories—as well as domestic conquests including the English Premier League and several other tournament successes—clearly establishes his legacy as a major player in the team's major successes.

Updated 12:33 IST, September 20th 2024