Transfer Talk: Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk draws €50m offer from Saudi Pro League
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Adam Brown
Mar 1, 2024, 07:00 PM ET
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Saudi club wants Liverpool captain Van Dijk
A club in the Saudi Pro League is preparing to make an offer for Liverpool captain and centre-back Virgil van Dijk, according to Ekrem Konur.
A proposal worth €50 million is said to be in the works for the 32-year-old, and is expected to be sent through when the transfer window opens this summer.
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But despite Van Dijk being set to enter the final 12 months of his contract with Liverpool in June, the Reds are reportedly hoping to open negotiations to extend his stay at Anfield beyond 2025.
Van Dijk lifted his first trophy since becoming captain of the club on Sunday, after his goal was decisive as Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0 in extra time during the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia have also previously been linked with his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah, after Al-Ittihad saw their approach turned down last summer.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Real Madrid are interested in a move for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi, according to journalist Mario Cortegana. Los Blancos are said to be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, and with his contract set to expire in 2026, it is believed that they could step up their pursuit of him if he doesn’t sign new terms at the Parc des Princes.
– Napoli are setting aside €40 million in the summer to secure a striker, Calciomercato reveals. The Serie A club’s short list is reported to be down to three names that they believe could succeed Victor Osimhen, who is linked with a move away. Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee, 22, is the first name being considered, while Gli Azzurri are also keen on Feyenoord’s Santiago Giménez, 22, and Lille forward Jonathan David, 24.
– Juventus are interested in Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Bianconeri believe that the 26-year-old could be a strong successor for Wojciech Szczesny, amid uncertainty growing over the Poland international’s future. It is reported that they could also face competition for his signature from Internazionale.
– Two Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs on Coventry midfielder Callum O’Hare, reports the Sun. Everton and Fulham are said to be keen on the 25-year-old, who is ready to turn down any new contract offer to set up a free transfer in the summer. He is also on the radar of Championship side Southampton.
– Negotiations are ongoing between Portland Timbers and Club America over a deal for forward Jonathan Rodriguez, according to Cesar Luis Merlo. Rodriguez, 30, who is also known as Cabecita, is reported to not have traveled to the Liga MX club’s next match, and they are hopeful of moving him on, though there are still “gaps” to work on during the discussions between both sides.
