Liverpool go all-in on Van de Ven scenario for Van Dijk’s replacement

Liverpool are planning for losing Virgil van Dijk on a free transfer next summer, with Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven acting as a prototype for the Dutchman’s heir.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has been tipped to hook up with the Reds in a move that will mirror Van de Ven’s switch from Wolfsburg to the Premier League.

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The 23-year-old has been a smash hit with Spurs (when fit) since making a €40 million move in 2023, and now the Merseyside club hope that the up-and-coming Greek can have a similar impact when he leaves the Bundesliga for the Premier League.

Van Dijk’s future continues to be at the centre of Liverpool’s thinking as he is one of three star players, along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old has been in talks over a new deal for months. There is no agreement and in the meantime, there are numerous clubs pulling to sign Van Dijk, with top European teams and those in the Saudi Pro League following the Netherlands international star.

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Liverpool particularly fear their veteran centre-back leaving for Al-Hilal after Neymar’s former club made a monster offer to the Netherlands international. He has been offered a contract worth €20 million per year, potentially making him one of the best-paid players in the world.

There have also been rumours that Van Dijk could leave for PSG, with these escalating after he was seen talking with officials from the Ligue 1 leaders following Liverpool’s Champions League exit at Anfield.

Koulierakis to replace Van Dijk?

In the background, the Anfield club is looking for successors for their long-standing defensive colossus.

Dean Huijsen and David Hancko have previously been linked with the club and Ajax’s young star Jorrel Hato is clearly in the picture as a reinforcement, but according to reports in the English media, Koulierakis has emerged as an option.

The 21-year-old Greece international joined Wolfsburg last summer in a deal worth €11.75m from PAOK, yet his valuation has rocketed since making 26 appearances for the Bundesliga club.

Under contract until the middle of 2029 with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €20m, Wolfsburg want €50m for Koulierakis.