Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation remains a mystery to the general public. With the Dutchman’s contract expiring this coming summer, Liverpool will be keen on finding replacements in the winter if extensions don’t go as planned.
Mohamad Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are in similar situations with no further talks being held regarding the same. The Reds seem to be calm about the situation and Arne Slot might be planning a slow revamp at Anfield.
As the days pass, Van Dijk having a future away from Liverpool doesn’t look like a far-fetched dream. To add to the probability, the Reds have seemingly shown interest in another French defender to replace the Dutchman.
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Liverpool send scouts to lead race for Nathan Zézé
Nathan Zézé has piqued Liverpool’s interest (Credits: Imago Images)
According to TBR Football, the Merseysiders have shown interest in Nantes defender Nathan Zézé to replace Van Dijk. Standing at 190 cm tall, the 19-year-old has shown immense potential playing for Les Canaris.
The Reds have already sent scouts to review the defender and they’ll be hoping to avoid another Leny Yoro this time around. Liverpool missed out on Frenchman Leny Yoro to rivals Manchester United last summer as the Reds were kept guessing by the defender.
A repeat of that will be too costly of an affair. With a Van Dijk departure seeming imminent as the days pass, Liverpool will want to close this deal as early as the upcoming winter.
Reports suggest Chelsea is also in the race with the Blues trying to add another youngster to their squad. Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham also crave the Frenchman’s services.
As the competition grows, the Reds will have to be careful with their moves in January. Liverpool will have to confirm their departing players by the winter at the earliest so that they can start planning for a revamp.
The Reds have another French defender in sight
Castello Lukeba is another French defender on Liverpool’s radar (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool are keeping their options open as they’d want to avoid tunnel vision during the transfer window. RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba is another centre-back on the Merseysiders’ radar.
The Frenchman signed a contract extension recently wherein there have been some cuttings to his release clause. Liverpool will be happy to hear a £8 million price cut for their scouted defender.
The Reds won’t have much say in the negotiations though as the new contract expires in 2029. The negotiations will either be another insignificant price cut or a shift of focus to other prospects.
