When Liverpool renewed Virgil van Dijk`s contract, it was more than just securing a new two-year deal for their star defender. Van Dijk is much more than just a world-class centre-back; he is even more than an unparalleled captain. The Dutch football icon has gone beyond the status of just one of Liverpool`s standout players, cementing his name in the club`s history alongside legends like Alan Hansen.
Yes, he will turn 34 next month. And naturally, Liverpool will need to be more careful in managing their captain`s minutes as he enters the latter stages of his distinguished Premier League career. But Van Dijk leads by example, both on and off the pitch. He`s not simply a defender; he`s a leader and a powerful motivator. Tune into a Liverpool match on television, and you`ll hear the 6-foot-4 star urging his teammates before they emerge from the tunnel, igniting their focus.
We should appreciate him while we can, because FSG`s transfer chief, Richard Hughes, is already actively working to secure his long-term successor.
Liverpool`s Search for the Next Van Dijk
Dean Huijsen seemed destined to follow in Van Dijk`s footsteps at Anfield. After an impressive breakout season at Bournemouth last year, the 20-year-old became one of Europe`s most sought-after young players, highly praised for his significant potential.
Van Dijk left Southampton to join Jurgen Klopp`s Liverpool, and Huijsen could have mirrored a similar trajectory, both demonstrating exceptional quality. Furthermore, Huijsen, despite being a Spanish international, was born and raised in Amsterdam to Dutch parents before moving to Spain at the age of five.
It felt like the ideal move for the player, coming to Liverpool to emulate one of the greatest defenders of his era – and technically, a fellow countryman at that.
However, Real Madrid clearly paid no heed to such a fitting narrative, brushing aside Premier League competition to activate the prodigy`s £50m release clause and bring him back home.
Arne Slot still requires a new central defender, and while Huijsen is a unique talent, there might just be an alternative option waiting across the continent, a player who has previously attracted interest from Liverpool.
Liverpool Enter Race for New Centre-Back
Huijsen is off the table, but he isn`t the only talented centre-back seeking the next step in his career.
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Liverpool are once again interested in Sporting Lisbon`s Goncalo Inacio, 23, having been consistently linked with the dynamic defender over the past couple of years.
The left-footed defender has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract, but interested clubs are hopeful they can negotiate a more favorable fee.
However, with Manchester United and Newcastle United also thought to be interested, FSG will need to step up their pursuit if they hope to secure a suitable long-term successor for Van Dijk.
What Goncalo Inacio Would Bring to Liverpool
Inacio has yet to play outside his native Portugal, but he has certainly performed well there, appearing 213 times for Sporting after progressing through their academy.
Journalist Antonio Mango has highlighted Inacio`s `insane` passing range, which is supported by data; according to WhoScored, Inacio has completed an average of 89% of his passes throughout his senior career.
Furthermore, Inacio`s aerial ability suggests he could offer a similar level of skill in that area to Huijsen, whose height, composure, and excellent timing would have allowed him to exceed expectations when stepping into Van Dijk`s role at Liverpool.
