Virgil van Dijk &#8211; CaughtOffside

Liverpool very keen on potential €50m transfer but Man United could have key advantage

It’s happened again; Chelsea fans could be concerned by Behdad Eghbali’s latest manoeuvre

“They’re in serious trouble” – Liverpool now “desperate” over future of 30-year-old that’s gone “under the radar”

Forest won’t want to lose such an important player, but Liverpool would be hard for Murillo to turn down, so one imagines this is a deal that Forest could be under pressure to agree to, as long as the terms are also favourable for them.

CaughtOffside understands that Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio is another name that is under consideration by the Merseyside giants, while RB Leipzig’s talented young French defender Castello Lukeba has also been linked with the club in recent times.

The post Exclusive: Liverpool want to sign Premier League star whether key Reds man stays or goes appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Will definitely sign” – Insider claims Liverpool are ready to make major deal

Ahad Shaukat — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 07:10:37 +0000

Virgil van Dijk is one of many Liverpool players who is facing an uncertain future at the club.

The Dutch centre-back, along with teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield and speculation has increased over his long term future at the Premier League leaders.

According to Football Insider, Van Dijk is expected to sign a new deal at the club and prolong his stay at Anfield.

The Liverpool captain has been in fine form this season under the leadership of Arne Slot and has helped the Merseyside club take the lead in the Premier League and the Champions League.

Van Dijk had some concerns about Liverpool and whether the club would be able to match his ambitions but their flying start under Slot has convinced him that the club is heading in the right direction and they can challenge for the biggest honours.

Mick Brown, the former chief scout of Manchester United and someone who has a reputable standing in the game and inside information on a lot of topics, has told Football Insider that he expects Van Dijk to sign a new deal.

He said: “I firmly believe that this is a pressure job from the agents.

“They want to get the best deal possible for their players, whether that’s here or elsewhere.

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

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“But I have no doubt that Van Dijk will definitely sign an extension to his contract.

“He’s still a crucial player under the new manager and he’s playing in a team that, at the moment, look like they could go and win things.

“In the summer, I heard he was keen to see whether the new coach could match his ambitions.

“They’re top of the league after ten games and have lost just once all season – I think he’ll be delighted with the way things have gone.”

Virgil van Dijk is crucial to Liverpool’s hope of winning silverware

Liverpool will have to act fast though, as by the start of January, Van Dijk will be able to talk to other clubs and negotiate a pre-agreement contract.

If the player has made up his mind to stay at the club then Liverpool have no need to worry but even then, they are leaving themselves vulnerable if they are leaving it late.

Van Dijk is calm about the situation though and he has claimed that he is ready to wait till the end of the season to see what happens next.

The defender has shown that he is still one of the best players in the world in his position and just when he was expected to decline in his playing career, he has shown that he is still at the same level that made him the best defender in the world.

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Virgil van Dijk’s reaction to Ibrahima Konate’s injury for Liverpool speaks volume

Ahad Shaukat — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 18:02:32 +0000

Liverpool managed to beat Brighton 2-1 at Anfield in another brilliant result for Arne Slot’s side.

The Reds were losing 1-0 but managed to make a comeback at Anfield and win the match 2-1 thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.

Slot’s side have moved to the top of the league now with Manchester City losing against Bournemouth today.

The Reds have a two point lead over Pep Guardiola’s Man City side in another early twist in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle at St James’ Park in another positive result for Slot’s side, making it the best possible day for Liverpool.

However, their only negative from the win today was the injury suffered by Ibrahima Konate.

The French defender was taken off at halftime and replaced by Joe Gomez, who impressed in he second half against a determined Brighton side.

Virgil van Dijk was asked about the injury suffered by his centre-back partner and the Dutch centre-back is hopeful that it is not too serious.

“So many bodies around the ball and I think I headed him on his arm,” said Van Dijk after the game on BBC Sport.

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate went off with an injury. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

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“Hopefully it is not too bad. We just have to see. You can be quite okay as a player with an arm injury so hopefully he will be fine.”

Konate has been rock solid for the Reds this season and he has taken his game to the next level under the leadership of Slot.

The Reds were linked with new defenders throughout the summer transfer window but not signing a new defender proved to be the right decision and it has worked in their favour.

Ibrahima Konate has turned around his Liverpool career

Konate was demoted to the bench by Jurgen Klopp last season but he has managed to prove his critics wrong again.

Van Dijk would be hoping to get his partner back soon as the Dutch defender appears to be comfortable playing alongside him.

Apart from the injury suffered by Konate, everything worked in the favour of the Reds and Slot has managed to win eight games out of the ten Premier League games he has managed, showing that his team needs to be feared in the title race this season.

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Christian Falk Fact Files: Arteta wants Bundesliga signing, Man Utd transfer latest, Van Dijk update & more

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:55:22 +0000

Christian Falk Fact Files: Today’s exclusive transfer round-up from Bundesliga insider Christian Falk, featuring Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen and more

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Today’s top stories

Ballon d’Or Rankings: Reaction from Germany

(Photos by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Aurelien Meunier & Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The Ballon d’Or was also a big topic in Germany. Harry Kane won the Gerd Müller Trophy and was present at the ceremony. Vinicius Jr wasn’t there – and we all know why! Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, former Bayern CEO, held a speech. Bayern are still very, very disappointed and angry that Jamal Musiala (21) wasn’t even on the list. Yesterday, there was a match against Mainz in the DFB Pokal and Max Eberl was complaining again, unprompted, about Musiala not being on the list. So you see how it works in Germany. They’re still wondering what happened because, for Bayern Munich, it’s very, very bad, as it is a big argument for other clubs to entice Musiala away from the Bundesliga (and its perception of being a “farmer’s league”) and bring him closer to the Ballon d’Or list. That’s not good for Bayern.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or full ranking! ?#ballondor pic.twitter.com/eQgfogUI8y

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024

Regardless of expectations around the result, Bayern still sent Harry Kane and Rummenigge. That’s why, in Germany, it’s seen as impertinent and incredibly entitled that Real Madrid didn’t send their players because Vinicius Jr. wasn’t going to win. There are big arguments also for Rodri, who was the standout star of the 2024 European Championship. So everybody is wondering! Toni Kroos was the most highly-ranked German on the list (ninth place). In his mind, I think he thought he had a slight chance, though he knew in the end he wouldn’t win it. He said everything that has to do with the Ballon d’Or is over the top and exaggerated: “The Ballon d’Or is not important to me. If someone from Real Madrid wins it, I’m fine. Vini deserves it, Jude deserves it and [Dani] Carvajal deserves it, but I don’t care.” This is a shared feeling in Germany. Nobody cares about the award because the whole situation is just very strange.

BAYERN MUNICH

We talked before about Newcastle not being a concrete option for Leroy Sane because they’re not playing Champions League football at the moment (and look unlikely to in future, at this current stage). However, there are fresh rumours around Arsenal – we heard that Arsenal are interested. We should take this seriously! Already when he was playing at Manchester City, his family wasn’t feeling so happy in Manchester and always dreamed of potentially living in London. Arsenal, then, would fit perfectly within his and his family’s ideas. The first opportunity is getting a new contract at Bayern Munich but they’re not close and from January 1 he can of course sign wherever he wants. Mikel Arteta is thought to be very keen on him; he was interested last year when there was no chance to get him, but now there is a chance. The Gunners play Champions League football and Arteta knows Sane from his days working with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. So you see there is a connection. This is the first big opportunity, besides Bayern, which could allow Leroy Sane a pathway back to the Premier League.

Bayern do not want to sell Lennart Karl. In Germany, we call him “little Schweini” (he’s playing a little like Bastian Schweinsteiger did). He has a very interesting agent in Michael Ballack of the Lucky 13 agency. That’s perhaps a potential link to the Premier League right there. In the end, however, Bayern Munich have to decide what will happen to the player. Inside the club, they prefer to make a loan move and perhaps to a club where he can get more minutes (which he wouldn’t get at Real Madrid). With that in mind, Ajax Amsterdam could be an option. There are also clubs in the German second division, which are closer, where he can get some practice. That would see him follow in the footsteps of Paul Wanner when he went to SV Elversberg and now he’s playing for FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on loan and getting closer to making the first-team squad at Bayern. That would be Plan A. But Ajax is also famous for educating big talents, so this could also be an interesting option for Bayern Munich if they get concrete.

We asked Max Eberl about Mathys Tel and were told that he’s blocking a move at the moment. He didn’t clearly say ‘no’. Everybody in the club sees that Tel needs more playing time. Now, both sides are at a point where they see a loan could be a good option. There is concrete interest from clubs in Germany like FC Augsburg, Werder Bremen, and Gladbach (who already knocked on the door in the past). If there is a good, concrete offer, Bayern Munich would agree to a loan. They would hesitate as far as selling him is concerned, as they think he’s a really big talent.

I’m not sure if there are big options available for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the market. He always said he wants to go to another big club, but an offer didn’t come in the past. There were offers from Saudi Arabia; I know that he knocked on the door of Bayern’s bosses two years ago to push for a transfer to the Middle East, as the money on offer was really huge. At the moment, I think the offers won’t be so great, otherwise he would have gone for it. He and his agents are waiting for a chance in the winter in case a place comes up at a club where they need a striker. Nothing concrete on that front at the moment.

BAYER LEVERKUSEN

Sebastian Hoeneß is, of course, on Bayer Leverkusen’s list of managerial replacements should Xabi Alonso leave in the summer. Nobody knows what’s happening with Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti but we know there could be a domino effect if Ancelotti leaves and Alonso may follow him. Hoeneß would be perfect for Leverkusen; he’s already shown what he can do at Stuttgart with a side that is comparatively weaker to the Leverkusen team. He does have a release clause, which makes him very interesting for Leverkusen and other clubs. You have to keep an eye on what’s happening in Dortmund, as Nuri Sahin is also not safe at the moment. Hoeneß could be a candidate at BVB if they fire Sahin. The money isn’t particularly high for the release clause – he can change clubs this summer for €5-6m; that’s not a lot of money for a manager on the market. We talked about Manchester United in the summer (this door is closed at the moment), but I think Leverkusen could be the next opportunity.

Jonas Urbig is seen as the next big goalkeeper in Germany. You know we have a big goalkeeping tradition in the country, so it’s a big deal if we say he could be the next German national ‘keeper. He’s playing in Bundesliga 2 at the moment with 1. FC Köln, which is the only reason why he hasn’t been invited previously to the national team, as it would be a strange sign to see a player from the second league when we have many good goalkeepers from the top-flight. Everybody is sure that he is the big hope for the future, which is why Bayern have him on their radar. However, they’re not as close as Leverkusen, as there’s a big discussion going on in Munich around Manuel Neuer. If he doesn’t get another contract, the next option is Alexander Nubel. He’s on loan at Stuttgart and Bayern Munich can bring him back next year if they wish. They have the next national goalkeeper already under contract.

Leverkusen is another situation. The club isn’t far from Cologne, so it wouldn’t be a serious move. They will also need a goalkeeper next season as Matej Kovar (formerly of Manchester United) wants to leave the club in the summer (because he’s yet to nail down the No.1 spot at the club). If you see the age of current No.1, Lukas Hradecky (34), and compare it with Urbig (21), this could be a great option. So, at the moment, he’s a more realistic option for Bayer Leverkusen. At Bayern, you see how long they’ve kept Nubel in the second row, so I don’t think they’d do this again with Urbig.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

To tell the truth, there’s not a lot going on with potential suitors for Emre Can, Julian Brandt, Donyell Malen, Marcel Sabitzer or Niklas Sule. Interesting players on the market, of course. Malen would have been sold last year if there had been a concrete offer. He’s not satisfied with his personal situation, which is why he changed agents twice, as they’ve so far failed to land him an exit from Dortmund. His main target is the Premier League, so if something gets concrete – he will be there! There’s a big discussion about Emre Can, as he’s the captain of the club and one of the top earners but has a bit of a problem on the pitch. However, there aren’t any close offers from the Premier League at the moment. Whether he stays or goes depends on the coach.

Julian Brandt is a brilliant player and would like to follow the example set by one of his best friends, Kai Havertz, in making it in the Premier League. That would be a big dream for him to make that next step. But no concrete offers at the moment. Niklas Sule and Marcel Sabitzer are both for sale. I do wonder why Manchester United didn’t make Sabitzer’s loan permanent given he was performing very well. He’s a player who ultimately needs to be on a pitch at all times to deliver as a leader; he can be a leader for any team. That said, he’s already 30 years of age, so it’s a bit difficult for him.

If nothing crazy is happening, Dortmund don’t want to sell Jamie Gittens in January. He’s performing very, very well and so they want to keep him beyond the summer transfer window of 2025. There is a price tag of about €100m – if someone is willing to pay this kind of money, they’ll talk. Otherwise, the German giants have no interest in selling.

LIVERPOOL

Sorry about Virgil van Dijk. I’m a big fan of him but he’s too old for Bayern Munich at the moment, as they’re trying to construct a very complex defence with Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae. They need fast players, which is why they sold Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United. I think Virgil van Dijk doesn’t have this speed and kind of defending for this really high back four. I’m really sorry about this, as I’d love to see him in the Bundesliga, but at this point, I think Bayern Munich would be the only club in the Bundesliga that could afford his wages (and where he’d like to go), so I see no future for him in the German top-flight. He’s a player who could fit perfectly for many clubs in Italy’s Serie A, but the door is closed for him in Germany.

MANCHESTER UNITED

I think Real Madrid are still the favourites in the transfer poker for Alphonso Davies. They had concrete talks in the past, also with his agent, Nick Huoseh. Bayern don’t want to talk with his agent at the moment. They are interested in keeping in touch with the player himself but I think it’s getting more difficult when players have such options to leave as a free agent and go directly to Real Madrid. Manchester United have a chance, but he’s not really cheap. Davies wants a minimum of €15m a season and a sign-on fee of around the same amount. I’m not sure if United are willing to pay this money. You see when they brought in Noussair Mazraoui he was a really cheap option. I know that their first option would have been Jeremie Frimpong but he was too expensive (with a release clause of €40m for United). I’m not sure if they want to spend so much money on a left-back. Real Madrid really want Davies, so if United want to get concrete they have to pay this money. I wonder if other positions might very well be more important for the club. Alphonso Davies, I think, would be open to the move, but Real Madrid are a little bit closer.

RB LEIPZIG

Leipzig know they can’t keep a player if a Premier League side is interested. We have many examples in the past; Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), and Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool). They always do the same trick. Castello Lukeba had a contract until 2028, so they’ve given him more money (he’s earning €6m a year) and had his terms extended until 2029. He now has a release clause in his contract worth €90m. So, if someone is willing to pay this, they can have it, but I can’t see anyone paying this amount of money right now. He has to get really good for someone to go big for his services in the summer window. At the moment, I think he’s safe at Leipzig with this “handicap” you could say. They want to keep him. I don’t think he’s a topic for the January transfer window. In the summer, if someone needs a brilliant defender and can pay this money, then I think things get interesting. Remember, they extended Lukeba’s contract because Real Madrid were concretely interested, more than any other club from the Premier League.

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“Never say never” – Liverpool fan favourite drops big hint regarding his future

Mehdi Gokal — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:22:15 +0000

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has left the door open to a future in management in a candid interview with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

The Dutch centre-back, now 33, finds himself in the final year of his Liverpool contract, and while he remains committed to the club, he hasn’t yet reached an agreement for an extension.

Having joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2017, Van Dijk quickly emerged as a defensive cornerstone, helping the Reds clinch their first Premier League title and cementing his reputation as one of the league’s greatest-ever defenders.

Despite his age, Van Dijk is still performing at the highest level, proving indispensable for Liverpool. Supporters are keen to see his future secured alongside star players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah – both of whom are in the same boat with their contracts as the Dutchman, a situation that has left many worried.

That said, recent reports suggest Liverpool are prioritising his contract talks, intent on reaching a deal to retain their world-class defender.

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk refuses to rule out becoming a manager in the future. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

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Virgil van Dijk discusses plans for his future in football

Van Dijk has now dropped a massive hint regarding his future on a podcast with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

Discussing his plans for life after football, Van DIjk refused to rule out the possibility of becoming a manager in the future.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he said:

“I said no, but that’s also because coming to this hectic, busy, on-it life that my family is sacrificing a lot, my wife and my kid.”

“To then have a year off or two years off and then going back into it… I don’t think I see it happening, but never say never.”

“I really feel like I definitely will give something back to football.”

“I love working and seeing younger players out there. I like going, for example, to the Liverpool Academy to watch the [age-group sides].”

“I know, because the thing is, when I was younger, I was eight or nine, and we had a training session and the first-team players from my team back then, Willem II, two or three players came and trained with us, and I’ll never forget that.”

“I know what kind of impact it makes to the younger boys and the younger generation, but what they give to me as well, seeing them happy and playing with pure joy… that’s something that brings a lot to me as well.

“That’s going back to the question, I would love to stay in football in the future, but at my time, I don’t know which kind of role, and it’s too far away to think about it.”

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“It’s a big surprise” – Expert comments on Liverpool transfer situation

Mark Brus — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 08:51:37 +0000

Liverpool’s situation with Virgil van Dijk and other star players heading towards the ends of their contracts has been described as a “big surprise” by former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson.

Speaking to Football Insider, Borson says he believes Liverpool can afford to keep Van Dijk, so that shouldn’t be a major issue when it comes to the Reds trying to tie the Netherlands international down to a new contract.

Borson did admit, however, that it could become trickier if a Saudi Pro League club comes in with a mammoth contract offer that Liverpool can’t match.

In general, it does seem pretty surprising that Liverpool have left themselves vulnerable to something like this, as Borson notes.

As well as Van Dijk, LFC also have Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold just a few months away from being free agents.

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Liverpool contract situation “a big surprise”, says expert

“Liverpool can afford it (a new contract for Van Dijk),” Borson told Football Insider.

“Clearly, if Saudi want to make him an offer of £1million per week to come in as a figurehead signing – they won’t want to match that.

“But for a normal level of deal, they can certainly afford to renew Van Dijk’s deal.

“It’s surprising that they’ve allowed three big players to enter the last six months of their contracts.

“It’s a big surprise.”

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