Latest developments
- Real Madrid look to sign Virgil van Dijk in January
- Los Blancos looking for defenders after Militao injury
- Van Dijk contract set to expire in summer of 2025
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Unreliable source and a sensational news
Real Madrid's injury crisis has been deepening as they lost the services of centre-back Eder Militao for the rest of the season after an ACL tear. Los Blancos are now looking to sign a centre-back in January 2025 as they look to compete for titles despite a poor start to the season.
As per Fichajes, Van Dijk is one of the names on the shortlist for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who are keen on adding experience and quality to their team instead of just depth as they want to cope with the loss of Militao without hurting the team.
Fichajes' reports can be very sensationalised and this is likely the case as a move this major would have a lot more chatter surrounding it.
Value (3/5): Van Dijk may come at a cut-price
Van Dijk's contract at Liverpool is set to run down in the summer of 2025, and the Dutchman is yet to agree to a contract renewal as Liverpool continue to sweat on the potential of their captain leaving the club on a free transfer. As such, there may be a chance that the Reds may decide to cut their losses and sell the veteran for a cut price if Real Madrid come calling.
Suitability (5/5): Ball-playing centre-back for Ancelotti
Van Dijk would fit right into the heart of the backline in Ancelotti's side as Militao had been Real Madrid's main ballplaying centre-back. Van Dijk would slot straight into the side without much doubt alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Upgrade? (4/5): Major upgrade to Madrid's backline
Real Madrid may be the current Champions League title holders, however, it is not a big stretch to say that their defence is not the best in the world as the inconsistencies in levels shown by Rudiger and Militao have cost them at multiple points. Van Dijk would be a major upgrade to Ancelotti's backline, bringing in loads of experience which could help with their current downturn in form.
Logic (2.5/5): Van Dijk may not want to leave in January
Van Dijk has become a cult hero at Anfield since his move to Liverpool in 2018, and even if the Dutchman plans to not extend his contract with the Reds, he would ideally want to leave the club with a hero's goodbye at the end of the season rather than a hurried farewell. As such, the likeliness of Van Dijk actually accepting the offer, if one is made, is very low.
Whisper+ final verdict – 17/25
While Van Dijk to Real Madrid in a surprise January deal may break the internet, the chance of the same actually happening is astronomical. Liverpool are likely going to keep their captain at Anfield until the summer of 2025, however, what happens after that remains a mystery.
