Besiktas on the Move: Virgil van Dijk’s Agent Set to Meet with Club
Following reports that Mohamed Salah’s agent is set to meet with Besiktas over a potential transfer, it has now emerged that Virgil van Dijk’s representatives will also be jetting out to Istanbul for talks with the Turkish club.
Source: s.yimg.com
According to a report from Levent Ümİt Erol on LÜE TV, Van Dijk’s agent is expected to meet with Beşiktaş to discuss a potential transfer. This news comes as a surprise to many, given the Dutch defender’s long-standing contract with Liverpool.
Van Dijk’s Contract Situation
Van Dijk, 35, renewed his contract with Liverpool in 2025, extending his deal until 2027 and earning a pay packet worth £400k per week. However, with the club looking to rebuild their backline, it seems that Van Dijk’s representatives are open to discussing a potential transfer.
This is not the first time Van Dijk has been linked with a move away from Anfield. In the past, he has been rumored to be heading to Istanbul rivals Galatasaray, as well as AC Milan. However, this latest development suggests that Besiktas may be the most likely destination for the Dutch defender.
Liverpool’s Rebuilding Efforts
Despite their 2024/25 Premier League title win, Liverpool have been actively rebuilding their backline in recent years. The arrival of Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, signed for £26m and £60m respectively, has brought fresh blood into the team. Additionally, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe will also be playing key roles in the coming season.
However, with the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid on a free transfer, Liverpool’s backline is set to take a hit. The loss of experience in the heart of the defense will be keenly felt, particularly with Van Dijk’s potential departure.
The Attraction of Saving £20m per Year
For FSG’s accountants, the attraction of saving around £20m per year on Van Dijk’s salary would be obvious. However, despite the potential cost savings, the Dutch defender’s departure would leave a significant gap in Liverpool’s backline.
Only Van Dijk and Joe Gomez remain as senior options in the heart of the defense, leaving a sizeable experience gap that would be difficult to replace.
In light of this, it would be a stunning development if Van Dijk was offered around. However, with Besiktas set to meet with his representatives, it seems that the possibility of his departure from Anfield is becoming increasingly likely.
