Liverpool are facing the threat of losing Virgil van Dijk during the summer transfer window.
Van Dijk is still a huge player for the Reds having arguably been their player of the year during 2023/24.
However, the Dutchman has just one year remaining on his deal Anfield. Reports last week claimed that Van Dijk met with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to speak about a potential transfer this summer.
Those suggestions have since been ratified by journalist David Lynch. It seems as though the Liverpool captain is assessing his options.
The ideal scenario remains that Van Dijk signs on to more or less finish his career with the Reds. That’s surely what most supporters would like to see happen. But in the event that Virgil does make a surprising exit, Liverpool should know exactly who to turn to.
Mats Hummels is the ideal Virgil van Dijk replacement
Liverpool are reportedly looking for a new centre-back regardless of whether Van Dijk leaves this summer.
After losing Joel Matip and seeing Ibrahima Konate suffer an untimely dip in form, the Reds are in the market to bolster their defence.
Leny Yoro is the name most credibly linked so far, however the Lille teenager looks to be headed for Real Madrid. His signing would seemingly be viewed on as something of a bonus by Liverpool.
If they could get Yoro in – or someone else such as Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori – then Van Dijk’s exit would be separate to that.
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Instead of plugging the gap with a young player or someone with potential, Liverpool should look to add what Van Dijk would slowly become over time – an experienced head to see through the next generation.
In our opinion, there is a clear answer to that on the market for Liverpool right now. Mats Hummels is set to leave Borussia Dortmund and be available on a free transfer.
Should Van Dijk go, then Hummels on a free – as well as Calafiori and maybe even Yoro as well – would help to fill the hole left by the skipper.
As a vastly experienced operator who’s still performing on the highest level, Hummels could come in and lead the Liverpool defence for a year or possibly two.
Mats Hummels could offer experienced option
We’d suggest that there is an argument that Hummels could be a decent signing for Liverpool even if Van Dijk does stay put.
The 35-year-old has just led Dortmund to a Champions League final. He played 40 games last season despite his age.
Although the Premier League is a different beast, Hummels could still help to solidify a back-line which has become a little too porous.
If Konate was out of form or injured, he could be an excellent stand-in. Van Dijk and Hummels still looks an excellent defensive partnership even in 2024.
But if Van Dijk does decide the riches on offer in Saudi are too good to turn down, then Liverpool can sign a player who will bring similar experience, leadership and personality for absolutely nothing.
We hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it did, Liverpool should know their answer already.