Liverpool’s defence is set for a massive shakeup this summer.
We await news on Ibrahima Konate’s contract renewal - with the latest reports indicating that the Frenchman’s future remains in doubt.
Joe Gomez hinted earlier this week that he too could be leaving. He’s only got one year left on his deal and may be sacrificed in order to avoid losing him on a free.
Virgil van Dijk is the only other senior centre-back option with the Dutch legend also out of contract in 2027. Van Dijk, who turns 35 over the summer, signed a new, two-year contract extension last season worth £400k per week.
It would be a surprise to see the captain offered a new deal given his age and considering Liverpool’s impending lack of experience in the backline.
An even bigger shock would be if Van Dijk was let go this summer - one year before his contract ends.
While the Premier League champions have taken steps to safeguard the future of their backline they may be left with a worrying lack of seniority and leadership - especially if Van Dijk goes.
Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe will join in summer - with Giovanni Leoni and Mor Talla Ndiaye also recruited in recent windows. Van Dijk remains the bedrock however and keeping him for one more season would seem to be imperative.
But there are emerging reports in Turkiye that Van Dijk has been holding talks over a move to Galatasaray in summer 2026.
Haberturk states that the centre-back is at the top of Gala’s recruitment list for the off-season and the Istanbul giants are requesting a quick answer.
“At the top of Galatasaray's transfer list is world-renowned defender Virgil van Dijk, who is parting ways with Liverpool,” the report reads.
“The management, aiming to strengthen their defense by adding the 34-year-old experienced central defender to their squad, is now waiting for the Dutch star's decision.
“Galatasaray wants to finalize this transfer before the World Cup, but the Dutch defender is indicating that he will wait until after the tournament.”
Right now there are zero indications that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is willing to part ways with Van Dijk but it remains to be seen what the future holds.
Whether by accident or design Liverpool’s transfer activities would appear targetted at reducing the wage bill - with big-earners Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson leaving the club this summer.
It is expected that Alisson Becker will join them amid interest from Juventus.
The biggest loss would be Van Dijk - who has been holding a porous backline together practically by himself during this difficult season.
