With Virgil van Dijk but to signal a brand new contract on the membership, FSG reportedly have Liverpool in pole place to signal an affordable choice who may exchange Arne Slot’s captain subsequent summer season.
Liverpool switch information
On the pitch, issues could not be higher for Liverpool at first of Slot’s tenure. They’ve received three from three within the Premier League, saved three clear sheets and shoved Manchester United to at least one facet on their supervisor’s Outdated Trafford debut. Off the pitch, nevertheless, issues are barely much less easy crusing amid contract considerations.
As of proper now, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will all stroll away at no cost subsequent summer season upon the expiration of their present offers. Now, there is a sturdy argument to be made that these three aforementioned stars stand tall as Liverpool’s finest gamers, so after all there is no restrict to the harm that their simultaneous exits would do to Slot’s facet.
The ball, nevertheless, appears very a lot in Liverpool’s court docket, particularly with regards to Salah and Van Dijk. The previous revealed to Sky Sports activities after the Reds thrashed Manchester United and he scored one other objective in opposition to their bitter rivals that he’s but to be approached a few new contract. In the meantime, Van Dijk is in the same place and has reiterated his need to remain put.
But, nonetheless, a brand new contract does not appear to be on the desk and experiences recommend that the Reds may land a discount substitute for Van Dijk. In keeping with Bild through Sport Witness, FSG have Liverpool in pole place to signal Jonathan Tah on a free deal forward of curiosity from Manchester United subsequent summer season.
The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back was linked with a summer season change to Bayern Munich solely to remain put beneath Xabi Alonso, and is now seemingly see out the rest of his contract earlier than shifting someplace at no cost in 2025, together with his choice a transfer to England.
“Sturdy” Tah can be a discount deal
Changing Van Dijk will likely be mission unattainable for Liverpool whether or not they’re pressured to take action subsequent summer season or in years to come back. However turning to expertise in Tah would seemingly at the very least ease the blow attributable to the Dutchman’s exit, albeit with out essentially changing his full high quality. The German, 28 years previous, loved probably the most profitable season of his profession final day out, serving to Leverkusen to an invincible title and cup double in historic trend.
League stats 23/24 (through FBref) | Jonathan Tah | Virgil van Dijk |
|---|---|---|
Progressive Carries | 17 | 32 |
Progressive Passes | 133 | 200 |
Tackles Received | 9 | 23 |
Ball Recoveries | 161 | 170 |
Even in his finest season, Tah’s numbers in comparison with Van Dijk’s spotlight simply how troublesome it is going to be for Liverpool to interchange their imperious captain, particularly if it is within the subsequent 12 months.
Nonetheless, Tah is a participant who’s at all times caught the attention in Germany, incomes the reward of former nationwide crew supervisor Joachim Low, who mentioned through the Bundesliga’s official web site after he handed the defender his first call-up: “He is a younger participant with a variety of potential. He is bodily sturdy and really fast. Every part is feasible.”
