Liverpool FORCED into Virgil van Dijk transfer decision

Virgil van Dijk hasn’t been at his best form throughout the 2025/26 season.

The campaign kicked off with a loss at Wembley to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield - with the Dutchman arguably at fault for both of the FA Cup holders’ goals before defeat was confirmed on penalty kicks.

The 34-year-old has also made high-profile errors in the games against Brentford and PSV - costing Arne Slot’s side a couple more spot-kicks.

Van Dijk has even been singled out for criticism in the Dutch press following sloppy errors in the game against Malta earlier this season.

Liverpool’s long-standing captain has been a little standoffish at times - failing to close down Harrison Reed for a recent goal versus Fulham - and the weekend loss to Bournemouth brought more scrutiny.

The centre-back should have done better on a ball over the top prior to Evanilson’s goal with plenty of fans picking up on Van Dijk’s “nonchalance” in the aftermath.

These performances are not what was expected when Richard Hughes shelled out £400k per week on a new contract for the £75m signing late last season.

For that kind of money - on a deal until 2027 - Van Dijk would have to maintain his impeccable levels in order for the Reds to see value in the deal.

And it’s not happened like that.

There is now scrutiny on Van Dijk like there’s never been before - leading to question marks over his future.

Van Dijk to STAY

With two years left on his deal Hughes could opt to find a buyer for Van Dijk this summer - thereby guaranteeing some transfer income and removing nearly half a million pounds from the wage bill every week.

However a report in Football Insider now claims that Van Dijk’s future at Anfield is SECURE - owing to so much trouble and strife around him in the the centre-back department.

The loss of Giovanni Leoni to injury, Ibrahima Konate’s indifferent form and Joe Gomez’s frequent spell out of the team owing to knocks have led to the conclusion that the Netherlands’ skipper will stay.

“The persistent issues that have plagued the Reds in recent weeks have seemingly forced their hand regarding Van Dijk’s future,” the report reads.

One day the former Celtic star will have to leave the club and he will be turning 36 by the time his contract ends.

His compatriot Micky van de Ven is now emerging as a Liverpool transfer priority - firstly to play alongside Van Dijk and then to replace his international captain.

“(Liverpool) have already identified the Dutchman as an immediate replacement for Konate, and a long-term successor to Van Dijk,” the report concludes.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 A new centre-back is COMING to Liverpool

👉🏻 Liverpool finally replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with brilliant playmaker

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool