Despite being an undisputed starter for Arne Slot, Virgil van Dijk’s future at Liverpool is not entirely certain. Amid these growing doubts, Galatasaray are reportedly pushing to sign the Dutch defender in a free-agent move. Liverpool have not had their best season, dealing with numerous injuries and failing to win any titles. Even though Virgil van Dijk remains an undisputed starter for head coach Arne Slot, he is reportedly not entirely convinced about continuing at Anfield, leaving his future uncertain. Amid this uncertainty, Galatasaray are supposedly pursuing the 34-year-old defender, who would be open to joining as a free agent in the summer of 2026.
According to the Turkish outlet Haber Sarı Kırmızı, Virgil van Dijk has indicated that he is open to leaving Liverpool for Galatasaray in a free-agent move. Although he is under contract until 2027, the Dutchman is reportedly ready to follow in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson by leaving Anfield after several years as a key player. Nevertheless, the Reds would have the final say, as it depends on them whether he is allowed to leave for free.
Recognizing his high level, van Dijk is requesting a contract with two guaranteed years plus an additional one depending on the number of matches he plays, reports Haber Sarı Kırmızı. With this, the Dutchman would be seeking stability in the final years of his career, as he is already 34 years old. In addition, he has remained a starter under head coach Arne Slot, meaning his arrival would be a major boost for the Turkish side.
Unlike the departures of Salah and Robertson, Virgil van Dijk is coming off a season in which he played 4,762 minutes for Liverpool, emerging as the standout player in the defense. Because of this, the English side would not be very open to letting him leave as a free agent, as he remains one of the best defenders in the world and replacing him would require a significant amount of money. With this in mind, Galatasaray would have to submit a transfer offer to the Reds.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool runs off the ball during the Premier League match.
Virgil van Dijk key to Liverpool’s 2026-27 defensive rebuild
Following a disappointing season, Liverpool appear determined to overhaul their defensive line. After securing the signing of Jérémy Jacquet and trusting in the return of Giovanni Leoni, they aim to gradually transition their backline, giving the younger defenders a bigger role within the team. For this process, the presence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, who is close to signing a renewal, is considered key to the rebuild.
With Jacquet and Leoni being very young players, they could need Van Dijk’s experience to adapt to the team and understand the defensive dynamics. In addition, the Dutchman would also have to pass on the leadership of the defense to Konaté, who would become the leader through a measured transition. If the 34-year-old leaves the club this summer, the Reds could face serious problems maintaining consistency for a second consecutive season.