Real Madrid will have to cross off one more name from their list of possible defensive reinforcements for the upcoming season. Virgil Van Dijk, the Dutch center-back who had been rumored as a target for the white club, is reportedly very close to reaching a renewal agreement with Liverpool, as British media outlets report. This decision would definitively distance the possibility of seeing him dressed in white at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Van Dijk, 33, is out of contract with the "Reds" at the end of the current campaign, sparking interest from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid, at the opportunity to acquire a world-class defender without paying a transfer fee. However, it seems that the captain of the English team has chosen to prioritize his continuity at Anfield, where he has established himself as one of the standout defenders in modern football.
Van Dijk and Liverpool have narrowed the gap
As reported by 'Football Insider', although there had been speculation about certain discrepancies between the player's financial demands and Liverpool's initial offer, negotiations seem to have progressed positively in recent days. Van Dijk's commitment to the sporting project of the English club has been a key factor in bridging the gap.
With this renewal, Real Madrid loses a top-tier alternative to strengthen their defense. In recent months, the Whites have been exploring options to bolster a backline that may need replacements in the future. However, Van Dijk's decision clearly indicates his desire to continue making history at Liverpool, moving away from other potential destinations.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La estrella que dice adiós a fichar por el Real Madrid