Talks open for Virgil van Dijk to join European giants

This summer promises to be a time of great upheaval at Liverpool.

We already know that Mohamed Salah’s exit is confirmed. The club have agreed to rip up his £400k per week contract one year early - with his deal originally slated to run until 2027.

The Egyptian King looks set to finally move to the Saudi Pro League on a lucrative free transfer although teams in MLS may also be interested in the two-time African footballer of the year.

Then there is the case of Andy Robertson - out of contract this summer and having already announced his impending departure after nine seasons at Anfield.

The 32-year-old - adored by fans - will be permitted to find new employers to take over his £160k per week deal and Tottenham are already frontrunners for the Scotland international.

There are even rumours that Alisson Becker could be leaving for Juventus - further hollowing out the Premier League champions’ leadership group.

Alisson, 33, recently triggered a one-year extension on his contract meaning Liverpool could earn a fee on the goalkeeper if he’s sold this summer.

Galatasaray in talks for Virgil van Dijk

And now comes the unthinkable news that captain Virgil van Dijk could be off as well. Van Dijk, 34, is contracted to the Merseyside giants until 2027 and so far there have been no indications that sporting director Richard Hughes is sounding out offers for the skipper.

But Fotomac in Turkey is now reporting that Galatasaray have opened talks for the transfer of the Netherlands’ captain one year before his £400k per week deal ends.

“Galatasaray has initiated negotiations for the transfer of Liverpool's renowned central defender, Virgil Van Dijk,” the report reads.

Gala to speak to Van Dijk soon

“Galatasaray is expected to establish official contact with Van Dijk in a short time," the report states.

Liverpool have made plans to safeguard the future of their defence in recent windows - with the acquisitions of Giovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet and others.

And we’ve seen links to senior left-sided centre-backs in the shape of Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck.

Right now we have to hope that this is an optimistic report on the part of Galatasaray - because given the scale of Liverpool’s problems the club cannot afford to see Van Dijk walk out the door no matter the price.

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