With a lucrative transfer looming and reports in Italy suggesting sporting director Richard Hughes is prepared to move to recruit a Brazilian defender as his successor, Liverpool looks increasingly likely to lose captain Virgil van Dijk this summer.
After nearly nine years in command, the iconic Jurgen Klopp has left the Anfield dugout to make way for Arne Slot. Liverpool hopes the new manager will make an immediate impression on Merseyside. Naturally, a bedding-in phase and a possible decline in outcomes may be a part of that process, just like with any significant adjustment period.
Not only is the administration shifting, but Michael Edwards has returned to his former position as CEO of football following a two-year absence, and Hughes takes over as the new transfer coordinator. The backroom staff has also seen several changes, with former Feyenoord coach Slot bringing in a new group.
The playing team, however, is something Liverpool hopes will remain mostly unchanged. Changes are inevitable, and with Adrian, Joel Matip, and Thiago Alcantara leaving, one was bound to occur in the staff.
Three of their top players, Mo Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, have contracts to expire in about eleven months.
Sporty360 knows that contract negotiations with all three players must start, despite Slot's determination to continue working with them and his request for the Reds to extend their tenure.
Because of this and the fact that the summer transfer market is still open, there is growing conjecture on the futures of all three players. Salah is still linked to a move to Saudi Arabia, and Real Madrid carefully monitors Alexander-Arnold's circumstances.
But as Sporty360 transfer reporter Rudy Galetti noted on Saturday, Van Dijk is the player who looks the most likely to depart right away.
Furthermore, according to Galetti, Van Dijk has approved a meeting with the Private Investment Fund (PIF), the owners of four top Pro-League teams, to discuss a possible transfer to Saudi Arabia.
In the days leading up to the Netherlands' loss to England in the Euro 2024 semi-final, Van Dijk declared: "I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player." This was his first hint that he would be leaving Anfield.
"After that, we'll try again, but first, we must get over this."It's emotional because you realize it's over after a season like this where many things have transpired.
It's unclear when that move will occur—a pre-contract deal made in January hasn't been ruled out either—and if it will happen this summer or next.
However, Galetti believes that Liverpool officials have replied by putting a €55 million (£46.4 million) price tag on the head of the 33-year-old defender, indicating that the Reds are well aware of the events.
Filling his shoes will, therefore, be nearly as tricky as Slot's task of succeeding Klopp at AnfielSeveraleral players have been mentioned this summer ned as targets, including Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon. However, concerns exist that they need more courage and experience to thrive at the highest level.
According to reports from Italy, the Reds have reportedly inquired about the potential acquisition of Gleison Bremer with Juventus.
Among the most formidable defenders in Serie A, the Brazilian is considered to have skillfully led a Juventus defense that let up just 31 goals in 38 league games during the previous season.
Three of their top players, Mo Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, have contracts to expire in about eleven months.
Sporty360 is aware that contract negotiations with all three players have yet to start, despite Slot's determination to carry on working with them and his request for the Reds to extend their tenure.
Because of this and the fact that the summer transfer market is still open, there is growing conjecture on the futures of all three players. Salah is still being linked to a move to Saudi Arabia, and Real Madrid is carefully monitoring Alexander-Arnold's circumstances.
But as Sporty360 transfer reporter Rudy Galetti noted on Saturday, Van Dijk is the player who looks the most likely to depart right away.
Furthermore, according to Galetti, Van Dijk has approved a meeting with the Private Investment Fund (PIF), the owners of four top Pro-League teams, to discuss a possible transfer to Saudi Arabia.
In the days leading up to the Netherlands' loss to England in the Euro 2024 semi-final, Van Dijk declared: "I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player." This was his first hint that he would be leaving Anfield.
"After that, we'll try again, but first, we must get over this."It's emotional because you realize it's over after a season like this where many things have transpired.
It's unclear when that move will occur—a pre-contract deal made in January hasn't been ruled out either—and if it will happen this summer or next.
However, Galetti believes that Liverpool officials have replied by putting a €55 million (£46.4 million) price tag on the head of the 33-year-old defender, indicating that the Reds are well aware of the events.
Filling his shoes will, therefore, be nearly as tricky as Slot's task of succeeding Klopp at Anfield.
Several players have been mentioned this summer as targets, including Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon. However, concerns exist that the latter needs more courage and experience to thrive at the highest level.
According to reports from Italy, the Reds have reportedly inquired with Juventus about the potential acquisition of Gleison Bremer.
The Brazilian, considered among the most formidable defenders in Serie A, skillfully led a Juventus defense that let up just 31 goals in 38 league games during the previous season.
The 27-year-old would not come cheaply, with a contract that expires in 2028. It is said that the Bianconeri responded to Liverpool's offer by placing a €70 million (£59 million) price tag on the head of the five-time Brazil international defender.
He might take over as the Reds captain at the center of the defense since he is almost six years younger than Van Dijk but still has a ton of elite experience.
Though he is less elegant or traditional in his defending style than Van Dijk, Bremer, at 6 feet 2 inches, would provide a different kind of presence to the Liverpool defense should a move be made for his services.
But Slot still has Van Dijk as his priority, and the new Liverpool manager will fervently hope his requests to lock him down to a new contract go through.
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