Galatasaray appears to be planning another significant acquisition for the summer. The club is reportedly focusing on Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool.
According to Istanbul’s daily newspaper Habertürk, Galatasaray officials are aiming to bring the Dutch central defender to the Bosphorus.
Van Dijk’s future at Anfield is rumored to be uncertain, despite his contract running until 2027. The 34-year-old is reportedly seeking a final major contract and plans to decide after the World Cup whether to pursue a new challenge or stay at Liverpool.
Following what van Dijk himself described as an «unacceptable season,» Liverpool is facing another period of change. However, it is highly questionable whether this transition will occur without their long-serving defensive leader.
He significantly stated in his assessment: «We have to work, we have to turn this around and make sure things like this don’t happen next season because this is not Liverpool.» This doesn’t sound like a farewell.
Could Rüdiger be the Alternative to Van Dijk? His Future at Real Madrid is Uncertain
Galatasaray is aware of this situation, which is why the Lions have reportedly identified a high-caliber alternative. Should Virgil van Dijk prove unattainable, Antonio Rüdiger is said to be a player considered by the club’s transfer planners, according to Habertürk. This is particularly relevant as the German international’s contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of the season.
In late March, Spanish media reported that he would need to accept a significant salary reduction to stay. His current annual gross salary of 14 million euros could potentially be halved, similar to Luka Modrić’s situation in his final season with Real Madrid.
Nonetheless, rumors persist that Rüdiger’s representatives have been exploring the market in Saudi Arabia. However, a move there seems unlikely given the tense security situation in the Middle East. Instead, Juventus Turin is also reportedly monitoring the 33-year-old’s situation.
The past has shown that Galatasaray and other Istanbul clubs possess a certain allure for aging stars. Last summer, Leroy Sané moved on a free transfer from Bayern Munich to the Turkish champions. Furthermore, Galatasaray signed Victor Osimhen from Napoli for 75 million euros.