Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk in action. (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Italian club Juventus are keen on a £150m summer swoop for Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk.
The report suggests that, according to Juventus’ source, Van Dijk may be ready for a new challenge at the end of the season since he has been playing in the UK for a few years. And they are actively planning to make a huge bid for him in the summer (h/t The Sun).
Van Dijk, 28, came through Willem II’s youth ranks and became well known for his defensive prowess at Celtic, whom he joined in 2013. Two years later, he moved to English side Southampton, where he featured in 80 games.
In the summer of 2018, Premier League giants Liverpool signing him for £75m, making him the world’s most expensive defender at the time. Since then, he has made 106 appearances for the Reds, scoring 11 and providing 5 assists.
The Netherlands international has established himself at Anfield. He has been a crucial member of Jurgen Klopp’s side, helping the manager build a formidable team that has won the Champions League, Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are a few games away from claiming the Premier League title for this campaign as they have extended their lead ahead of second-placed Manchester City with 22 points.
The ever-dependable front three consisting of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have plundered enough amount of goals to keep the Reds at the top. And, at the same, Van Dijk has been crucial in leading the defensive unit.
He has featured in every league game so far and has helped the team maintain 11 clean sheets in 25 games. The Reds have conceded only 15 goals, the lowest by any team in the top flight this season.
The 28-year-old is crucial for Klopp’s set-up and therefore, Liverpool must avoid any temptation and retain his services.
His importance to Liverpool is much more than just being a defender. He has also led the club on several occasions and has never been out of form since his arrival at Anfield.
Therefore, Liverpool must hold on to the former Southampton as long as they can and prevent Juventus from snapping up their best player.
