Transfer Centre

Liverpool transfer news: Al-Nassr offer Van Dijk world-record wages to leave Anfield?

By Carter White | 14 June 2024

Al-Nassr offer Van Dijk world-record wages to leave Liverpool?

Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk is reportedly attracting interest from Al-Nassr, who are said to be willing to make the Dutchman the highest-paid defender in the world football.

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk has reportedly received a contract offer from Al-Nassr that would make him the highest-paid defender in world football.

The 32-year-old has been a cornerstone of Jurgen Klopp's trophy-laden spell at Anfield, helping the Merseysiders to an EFL Cup success during the German's last campaign at the helm.

After fitness issues in the 2021-22 term - when Van Dijk managed just five Premier League starts - the centre-back was once again a regular fixture in Liverpool's backline last season, missing only two league games.

During his trophy-littered time at Anfield, the towering Dutchman has lifted the Premier League and Champions League, alongside the FIFA Club World Cup and the FA Cup in 2022.

Since securing a high-profile switch from fellow Premier League outfit Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has made 270 competitive appearances for the Reds, scoring on 23 occasions.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk on February 25, 2024 © Reuters

Liverpool star Van Dijk in talks with Al-Nassr?

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Al-Nassr are plotting a move to bring Van Dijk's six-year stay at Anfield to an abrupt end during this summer's transfer window.

The report states that the Saudi Arabian outfit wish to secure the services of the defender and are willing to flex their financial muscle to do so.

It is understood that Cristiano Ronaldo's side are looking to make Van Dijk the highest-paid defender in the world with a lucrative deal in the Middle East.

In an attempt to get the ball rolling on a blockbuster transfer, Al-Nassr have supposedly opened talks with the Dutchman's representatives over a possible move.

If Van Dijk was to leave to join Luis Castro's troops this summer, the centre-back would link up with the likes of Aymeric Laporte and former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane at the Pro League title challengers.

Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring their first goal with teammate Kostas Tsimikas on December 20, 2023 © Reuters

Liverpool's defensive rebuild

Following the departures of experienced duo Jordan Henderson and Fabinho from Liverpool at the end of the 2022-23 term, last summer's transfer window was centred around an engine-room rebuild for the Reds.

This time around, though, it appears as if Arne Slot will be significantly bolstering his backline, with the incoming head coach highlighting left-back as an area of priority during the off-season trading point.

Andy Robertson's injury woes kept him out for a sizeable chunk of last season, meaning that Kostas Tsimikas was promoted to the role of first choice for Klopp.

Before deciding his future at club level, Van Dijk will be looking to help the Netherlands to continental glory at Euro 2024, with Ronald Koeman's men playing their first match of the tournament against Poland on Sunday.