There will come a point, and it may well arrive very soon, when Liverpool must go about replacing the irreplaceable.
Virgil van Dijk’s situation on Merseyside remains ambiguous, and there’s certainly a chance the dominant Dutch defender opts against extending his stay at Anfield, allowing him to depart as a free agent in June.
Van Dijk’s status as an all-time Premier League great isn’t up for debate. There have been multiple factors in Liverpool’s re-emergence over the past decade, and the centre-back’s arrival doubtlessly ranks among the most significant.
Even if the 33-year-old extends, the Reds are bound to be in the centre-back market this summer. Van Dijk remains at the top of his game, but long-term mitigation is necessary.
Here are five realistic replacements for the Liverpool captain this summer.
Guehi is wanted by several Premier League clubs / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages
Huijsen has caught Liverpool’s eye / Catherine Ivill – AMA/GettyImages
The Feyenoord defender could be on the move this summer / Alessandro Sabattini/GettyImages
Borussia Dortmund won’t want to lose Schlotterbeck / Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages
Inacio has previously been on Liverpool’s shortlist / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages
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