As reported by The Mirror (via Bild), Borussia Dortmund are a possible destination for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk this summer. However, could Die Schwarzgelben actually sign the Dutchman?
This season, BvB have struggled to find consistency in the Bundesliga. With only 59 goals scored in the league, Dortmund are by far the lowest scorers in the top five and have, therefore, had to rely on their defensive stability.
A more conservative approach has seen Edin Terzić’s side flourish in Europe, with a Champions League semi-final clash with PSG awaiting. Regardless, in the Bundesliga, this has not proven to be sustainable, and with Mats Hummels reaching the end of his career, a summer of change is required at the Westfalenstadion.
This has already been acknowledged by those in charge at BvB, with decisions regarding the direction of the club having already been made by the appointments of Lars Ricken and Sven Mislintat. Nevertheless, in terms of the playing squad, it is not yet known where BvB will attempt to strengthen.
With Hummels’ contract set to expire this summer, a new deal appears to be on the horizon, but they could look to find an heir to his throne. In van Dijk, Dortmund may find the perfect successor.
The Dutchman’s deal at Anfield runs out in 2025, and it is understood that he could be available for a discounted price this summer. As well as this, with Jürgen Klopp departing at the end of the campaign, van Dijk, too, may look to pursue new opportunities.
Van Dijk’s future is currently up in the air, and according to the report, Dortmund are one of the clubs keeping tabs on the situation, alongside teams from Spain, Turkey, Italy, and the Netherlands. However, if Die Schwarzgelben could match van Dijk’s €13.5 million salary, then they could persuade the 32-year-old to move to the Westfalenstadion.
Nonetheless, if Hummels is to extend his deal, then perhaps a move for van Dijk could wait until next summer. It is far more likely that Dortmund could agree on a wage with van Dijk in the case of a free transfer, as opposed to offering the Premier League outfit a transfer fee as well.
GGFN | Will Shopland
