Real Madrid reject chance to sign Liverpool veteran superstar in the summer – report | OneFootball

It is no secret that Real Madrid are plotting a summer move for Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Apart from the Englishman, Liverpool have two more key pillars of their team – Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – with contracts expiring in 2025.

There has not been much progress as far as renewals for the veteran duo is concerned, and it appears that one of them has been offered to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid reject Virgil van Dijk

Indeed, according to journalist Jorge C Picon, Virgil van Dijk’s representatives reached out to the Real Madrid management to express the player’s willingness to join the club in the summer of 2025.

The move from the Reds’ captain’s agent was sparked due to Los Blancos’ aim to strengthen a defensive line that has faced significant injury challenges in recent seasons, including setbacks for Eder Militao and David Alaba.

However, Real Madrid declined the proposal. Despite the fact that Van Dijk would arrive as a free agent following a standout season with Liverpool, the club decided against pursuing the 33-year-old defender.

Virgil van Dijk’s contract expires in the summer. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Instead, the Spanish champions prefer younger players with profiles better aligned with their long-term vision.

For now, Real Madrid have decided to put their faith in the current options – Militao, Alaba, who is close to returning, and Antonio Rudiger, with Aurelien Tchouameni filling in as a makeshift centre-back.

Raul Asencio’s breakthrough from within the club has also boosted up Carlo Ancelotti’s options at the heart of the defence.

However, Los Blancos remain on the lookout for a new central defender for either the summer of 2025 or 2026 with several players being scouted.

One such player said to be on the Spanish capital club’s radars is RC Lens and Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who is making waves in Ligue 1.