Liverpool’s season has taken a dramatic downturn, with a loss in the UEFA Champions League and a defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, jeopardizing the team’s hopes of a treble. Now, the club could face another major blow, as a key player whose contract is set to expire next season reportedly prefers a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) despite interest from the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
Jurgen Klopp recently handed over managerial duties to Arne Slot, who has begun a rebuilding process at Liverpool. One of the club’s pressing concerns is the future of players with expiring contracts. Trent Alexander-Arnold appears poised for a move to Real Madrid, and Mohamed Salah is still in talks over a contract extension. However, another key player, Virgil Van Dijk, finds himself in a similar situation.
According to Sky Sport’s Sacha Tavolieri, sources close to the locker room suggest that Van Dijk is considering one last adventure abroad before retiring. With his contract expiring in June 2025, there is no current agreement in place for him to remain at Liverpool.
Since joining from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has established himself as one of the top defenders of his generation, finishing as the Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2019 behind Lionel Messi. Now with 311 appearances for Liverpool, the Dutchman could be set to win the Premier League before potentially leaving Anfield.
MLS over SPL?
With Van Dijk’s contract expiring at the end of the season, clubs have the chance to sign him without paying a transfer fee, and it appears that the Saudi Pro League has already made its move.
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As reported by L’Equipe, Al Hilal has submitted an initial offer worth more than €20 million net to Van Dijk. However, the Dutch defender has yet to make a final decision, as his primary focus remains on helping Liverpool finish the season on a strong note.
Tavolieri reports that, despite the lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, Van Dijk is said to prefer a move to MLS, largely due to his admiration for U.S. culture and the more relaxed demands of soccer outside Europe.
