Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is leaning towards a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) despite lucrative interest from Saudi Arabia, reports Get French Football News. The Dutch centre-back, whose contract expires at the end of the season, could leave after seven trophy-laden years at Anfield.
Liverpool are already working on a replacement, targeting Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck in a potential €50 million deal.
Van Dijk signed from Southampton in January 2018 for £75 million, at the time the world record fee for a defender. His impact was immediate: 2017/18 – Debuted in January, famously scored the winning goal vs Everton in the FA Cup. Helped Liverpool reach the Champions League final (lost to Real Madrid). 2018/19 – Named PFA Player of the Year. Anchored a defense that conceded only 22 league goals. Liverpool won the Champions League in Madrid, defeating Tottenham 2-0. Finished runner-up in the Premier League with 97 points. 2019/20 – Integral to Liverpool’s first Premier League title in 30 years. Played every league match as Klopp’s side finished with 99 points. Voted UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2019, and runner-up in the 2019 Ballon d’Or. 2020/21 – Suffered a serious ACL injury against Everton, missing most of the season. Liverpool finished 3rd. 2021/22 – Returned to full strength, helping Liverpool win the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and reach another Champions League final (lost to Real Madrid). 2022/23 – Liverpool struggled domestically, finishing outside the top four, though Van Dijk remained a constant presence in defense.
2023/24 – Regained form, captained Liverpool as they returned to title contention. 2024/25 – Played 41 matches, 3 goals, 1 assist, but now in the final year of his deal, and weighing a final career move. Across his Anfield career:Over 260 appearances.19 goals as a centre-back.6 major trophies (Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Super Cup, Club World Cup).Van Dijk is widely regarded as the defender who transformed Liverpool into a European powerhouse under Klopp.Reports say Al-Hilal offered more than €20 million for Van Dijk.
However, lifestyle and family considerations make MLS more attractive.MLS advantages: Stability, strong infrastructure, chance to live in the U.S., rising profile of the league thanks to Lionel Messi and other European stars.Saudi Pro League disadvantages: Financially lucrative, but less competitive appeal, and many players treat it as a short-term career wind-down.At 33 years old, Van Dijk is still capable of competing in Europe, but he appears ready to take on a new challenge, following the path of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez to North America.Liverpool have identified Nico Schlotterbeck (25) as their top defensive target.Club: Borussia Dortmund.Style: Left-footed centre-back, comfortable in possession, strong in duels, aerially solid.Value: €50 million expected fee.Experience: Key starter in Dortmund’s 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign and Champions League runs.
Strengths vs Van Dijk:Age: At 25, represents a long-term investment.Distribution: Progressive passing, fits Liverpool’s build-up under a new manager.Recovery pace: Covers space effectively against quick forwards.Weaknesses vs Van Dijk:Leadership: Lacks the commanding presence Van Dijk brought as captain.Consistency: Has yet to show the same elite-level consistency across multiple seasons.If signed, Schlotterbeck would become the centerpiece of Liverpool’s new-look defense alongside Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez.
With Jürgen Klopp leaving at the end of the season, Liverpool face a generational transition: Salah entering the twilight of his career. Van Dijk likely to depart. Robertson and Alisson in their 30s. Younger core (Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Díaz, Núñez) forming the next era. Replacing Van Dijk is symbolic of this change. The Dutchman defined Klopp’s peak years, but Liverpool now plan to build around younger players and a new manager’s philosophy.If Van Dijk joins MLS, it would be another landmark signing for the league:
Adds to the wave of European legends following Messi, Busquets, Alba, Suárez. Boosts the league’s defensive credibility — most stars arriving are attackers or midfielders. Offers marketing value: the captain of Liverpool, Champions League and Premier League winner, joining North American football. For MLS clubs like Inter Miami, LAFC, or New York City FC, Van Dijk would be a transformational signing both on and off the pitch.
