Liverpool fans are preparing to face an uncertain summer over a number of their top players.
Having already seen the majority of Jurgen Klopp’s great team of 2018-2022 disband, some of the remaining handful are also now under threat.
There was positive news in regards to Mohamed Salah staying this week. Although as journalist Graeme Bailey exclusively told us on Saturday, nothing should be taken for granted in relation to Salah.
The other big player potentially on the chopping block is Virgil van Dijk. Like Salah, the Liverpool captain is entering the final year of his contract.
Inevitably, this has had led to speculation over Van Dijk’s future. And with some whispers that Bayern Munich could be in for the Dutchman, German journalist Christian Falk has given an update on a possible transfer.
Could Virgil van Dijk really join Bayern Munich
Van Dijk should have positive memories of Bayern. His goal at the Allianz Arena on the way to Liverpool winning the Champions League in 2019 remains one of his most iconic moments with the Reds.
Somewhat less meaningfully the 32-year-old also scored against the German giants in pre-season last year.
More than any personal affection though, Bayern are one of the biggest clubs on the continent. If Van Dijk were to move on from Anfield, they would surely be an attractive option for him.
But writing for The Daily Briefing, Falk has asserted that while Bayern remain unsure over who will be managing them next season, a move for the Liverpool skipper is not on the table. The journalist also dismissed suggestions that Van Dijk could join Borussia Dormtund.
“Virgil van Dijk is not a topic up for discussion at Bayern Munich at the moment,” Falk reports. “It’s really, really a problem in the club that it’s hard to discuss players if you don’t already have a coach in place.
“An interesting player for surely every team. If you get a 32-year-old player in who would immediately be the boss of the defence, you have to discuss this with the coach; if there’s no coach to discuss, you can’t make this decision. So, with Bayern Munich (as is also the case with Borussia Dortmund), it’s not hot.”
Will Virgil van Dijk stay at Liverpool
Obviously, Bayern aren’t the only team who would be interested in Van Dijk if he were available. There have already been suggestions that the Saudi clubs might be taking a look at the Dutchman, too.
In our opinion though, Virgil is going nowhere. We know that FSG are usually not keen to offer big contracts out to players in their 30’s. But we think they’ll make an exception with Van Dijk.
The No.4 has arguably been Liverpool’s best player this season. There are no signs that he is slowing down any time soon.
As one of the club’s greatest ever players, the Reds would be wise to keep Virgil around as long as possible. John Barnes recently said it’s kind of a no-brainer to offer the Netherlands international a new deal. We think they will.
If the decision is made not to offer him a new contract though, it seems likely that Van Dijk will instead see out his contract and leave for nothing next year. Maybe Bayern will be more realistically on the table then.