Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool future was hanging by a thread earlier this year — and, as it turns out, Real Madrid were the reason for the delay.
According to reports in Spain, the Dutch captain’s representatives made contact with Madrid before he agreed to extend his stay at Anfield.
The defender, who joined Liverpool in 2018, reportedly kept his renewal on hold until mid-April as he waited for a possible move to the Bernabéu.
After years of facing heartbreak against Los Blancos in Europe, Van Dijk was said to be intrigued by the idea of switching sides.
However, the response from Madrid was clear — thanks, but no thanks.
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A transfer dream that never took off for Virgil van Dijk
Spanish outlet AS claims Van Dijk’s camp offered his services to Real Madrid, but the club decided not to pursue a deal. Concerns over his age and his serious knee injury in 2020 reportedly played a part in their decision.
Instead, Madrid turned their focus to younger options, signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
Van Dijk had other suitors too, including a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, but his heart was set on Madrid. When that door closed, he chose to remain on Merseyside — and soon after, put pen to paper on a two-year extension with Liverpool.
In the end, the Dutchman’s loyalty held firm. Staying with the Reds wasn’t just the safer choice — it was the one that made sense for a player who has become the cornerstone of Liverpool’s defense.
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A red heart, not a white shirt
Van Dijk’s decision to stay gave Liverpool a huge boost amid a challenging season. The club’s form may have dipped, but his leadership continues to anchor Arne Slot’s side.
Since arriving from Southampton for a then-record fee, the Dutch defender has made over 330 appearances and redefined what it means to be a modern center-back.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, remain linked with several Liverpool stars, including Ibrahima Konate — proving the Spanish giants haven’t stopped looking to Anfield for talent.
As for Van Dijk, he may have dreamed of white, but it seems his football story will stay painted in Liverpool red — where he’s still the calm in the storm and the captain the Kop looks to for belief.