Liverpool linked with Bayer Leverkusen INVINCIBLE as potential Van Dijk successor | OneFootball

Life after Virgil van Dijk is a world that Liverpool fans don’t really want to think about.

The impact the Dutch giant has had on improving the Reds' defensive frailties will never go unnoticed.

His signing from Southampton in 2018 may go down as one of the best bits of business ever, considering the knock-on impact his arrival created.

Read more: Andy Robertson slammed for NEEDLESS contribution

But Van Dijk’s dominance and presence cannot last forever. With the defender being 33 years old and further issues surrounding the extension of his contract, Liverpool will need to start thinking about replacing him in the long term.

Tah to replace Van Dijk?

Having already been linked to young Brazilian prospect Vitor Reis from Palmeiras as a replacement for Virgil, another report suggests that Liverpool are in for a more experienced defender.

Christian Falk for CaughtOffside has reported that fans should ‘keep an eye’ on Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Jonathan Tah. The 28-year-old was heavily linked to Bayern Munich in the summer, but the giants did not meet his valuation.

The German defender has already been linked with Liverpool before, during an injury crisis for the Reds last year.

Falk then speaks of his connection to the Reds, saying: “In the far-flung future, they will need a successor for Virgil van Dijk. Jonathan Tah could be that for Liverpool. They are also on the table at this time.”

1. Bundesliga - Bayer 04 Leverkusen - FC Bayern München am 10.02.2024 in der BayArena in Leverkusen Jubel, Torjubel, Torschuetze, Torschütze Josip Stanisic Leverkusen 2 jubelt nach seinem Tor zum 1 zu 0 mit der Mannschaft , u.a. mit Nathan Tella Leverkusen 19 , Granit Xhaka Leverkusen 34 , Jonathan Tah Leverkusen 4 *** 1 Bundesliga Bayer 04 Leverkusen FC Bayern Munich on 10 02 2024 at BayArena in Leverkusen Cheering, goal celebration, goal scorer, goal scorer Josip Stanisic Leverkusen 2 celebrates with the team after his goal for 1 to 0 , among others with Nathan Tella Leverkusen 19 , Granit Xhaka Leverkusen 34 , Jonathan Tah Leverkusen 4 MH

He continues, saying: “I think the big advantage for Liverpool in the race for Tah is that the Premier League was always his big, big dream. If Liverpool were to knock on his door, there’s perhaps a big chance that he’ll be playing in the Premier League next season.”

This news will please supporters, as this is a player with quality experience in a competitive league. He was also a massive part of the title-winning Leverkusen team that went unbeaten throughout the whole season last term.

The task of replacing Van Dijk is one that can be labelled as impossible. Whoever does become his successor will be filling some pretty big shoes. Is Tah the one to take up that responsibility?

Liverpool linked with Bayer Leverkusen INVINCIBLE as potential Van Dijk successor 52 mins ago by Max Persad

Liverpool star's MISERY after being given international LIFELINE 1 hour ago by Sian Jones

Liverpool owners hold KEY meeting amid documentary LINK 2 hours ago by Sian Jones