Liverpool ‘to fight’ European giants to sign free agent amid Virgil van Dijk contract uncertainty

Liverpool is preparing to compete with a top European club for a player who could serve as an ideal replacement for captain Virgil van Dijk.

Currently in his second season as captain, van Dijk is facing uncertainty regarding his future, as discussions about extending his contract have stalled. His current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, raising the possibility that this might be his final season with the team.

Van Dijk is one of three crucial players at Liverpool who could leave as free agents after this season, joining Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both of whom are also nearing the end of their contracts.

Recent reports indicate that Liverpool is eyeing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah as a potential replacement for van Dijk, should he choose to depart. According to TeamTalk, the club is keeping a close watch on Tah’s situation, as he will be available as a free agent at the end of the season.

However, Liverpool is not the only club interested in the German center-back; Inter Milan is also keen on securing Tah’s services and is reportedly looking to arrange a pre-contract agreement in early 2025.

Tah played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s successful campaign last year, helping the team secure both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup.

With Inter’s current center-backs, Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, likely to depart at the end of the season due to their contracts expiring and their ages (37 and 33, respectively), the Italian club is eager to finalize a deal with Tah. Reports suggest that Inter has indicated to Tah’s representatives their willingness to offer him a contract until 2029, with an estimated weekly salary of £96,000.

To secure Tah, Liverpool may need to intensify their efforts in the coming months. If they are unable to sign him, the club has reportedly compiled a list of alternative options to replace van Dijk, including Sevilla’s Loic Bade and Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio.