Saudi clubs plot Liverpool raid in 2025 for £220k-a-week first-team star

Liverpool's Dutch midfielder #38 Ryan Gravenberch (L) celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Liverpool's Dutch defender #04 Virgil van Dijk during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage in London on April 21, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old central defender will be a free agent in 2025 and Saudi Arabian clubs are lining up a potential move for him, as per Fichajes. The Dutch international is one of the best players in the world and signing him on a free transfer would represent an excellent bargain.

It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can convince him to sign a new deal with the club. Van Dijk is undoubtedly the best defender in the Premier League and losing him would weaken Liverpool immensely. They will be hoping to push for major trophies in the coming season and they cannot afford to lose a player like him any time soon. Even though he is in his 30s, he is showing no sign of decline and he could compete at the highest level for a few years. Liverpool must make it their priority to tie him down to a new long-term contract.

Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring his teams second goal during the International friendly football match between Netherlands and Iceland at the Feyenoord Stadium, in Rotterdam, on June 10, 2024.

Van Dijk could fancy a new deal at Liverpool

Liverpool have shown ambition with quality signings in recent years and they have been pushing for major trophies consistently. It would not be a surprise if the 33-year-old Dutch international opted to commit long-term future to the club. Van Dijk is a fan favourite at Liverpool and he is the captain of the club. His stature at Liverpool is evident and the player should look to put pen to paper on a new deal when it is presented.

He will have plenty of opportunities to play in Saudi Arabia in future. For now, the £220k-a-week defender is a top class player who should be competing at the highest level.