Extended until June 2027 by Liverpool‘s hierarchy, Virgil van Dijk had the opportunity to join another Premier League giant.
Out of contract in June 2025, Virgil van Dijk signed a contract extension with Liverpool on 17th April, for the next two years until June 2027. A signing that followed the equally resounding extension of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah.
Despite being 34 years old, the Netherlands international remains a cornerstone of the Merseyside club for whom he has played over 300 matches across all competitions and with whom the former Southampton player has won the biggest trophies, notably the Premier League and Champions League. Yet the Breda native's career could have continued far from Anfield.
This is the revelation made by TalkSPORT, who claim that a Premier League giant had positioned themselves in March 2025 regarding Virgil van Dijk's situation, before Liverpool announced his extension. It was Chelsea, now managed by Liam Rosenior following Enzo Maresca's departure, who were making enquiries about Virgil van Dijk without having time to step up their pursuit.
IMAGO / Sportsphoto
Chelsea want to sign a defender in January
While the Blues secured Strasbourg's Mamadou Sarr in summer 2025, before the former Lyon man was sent on loan back to RCSA, the West London club failed to attract a renowned centre-back during the close season, a profile that could have been Virgil van Dijk given his vast Premier League experience.
Signing a new central defender during this January window is something Chelsea are strongly considering following the cruciate ligament rupture suffered by Levi Colwill. The chosen one could be Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh, the first expected signing of the Rosenior era, a profile that raises eyebrows.
Once also reported to be on Real Madrid‘s radar, Virgil van Dijk will remain loyal to Liverpool for some time yet. In this 2025-26 season, the Reds captain has started 29 times across all competitions under Arne Slot.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
