Real Madrid are reportedly considering a free-transfer move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk when his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season.
The 35-year-old remains a central figure at Anfield, but Liverpool have yet to offer him another extension, according to Mundo Deportivo. AC Milan, Galatasaray and Inter Miami are also said to be monitoring his situation.
Real Madrid weigh up Van Dijk free transfer
Van Dijk’s current agreement was signed in April 2025 and runs until June 2027. Allowing the defender to leave without a fee would represent another significant change for a Liverpool squad already undergoing a period of transition.
The possibility of a move to Madrid follows a pattern involving several former Liverpool players. Ibrahima Konaté left when his contract expired this summer before joining the Spanish club on a four-year deal, while Trent Alexander-Arnold completed his move to the Bernabéu in 2025 before his agreement with Liverpool formally ended.
A switch to Real Madrid could see Van Dijk reunite with both Konaté and Alexander-Arnold. José Mourinho is also reportedly interested in another centre-back.
Van Dijk continues to wear the Liverpool armband this season, with Alisson Becker, Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai serving as vice-captains under Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool face a difficult decision over whether to offer their captain a further contract at the age of 35. His importance extends beyond his role in defence, particularly after the departures of Konaté and Andy Robertson.
If the club intends to retain Van Dijk, negotiations will need to progress before the final months of his deal. Should Liverpool decide to move on, they will need a succession plan in place before next summer to avoid losing another senior leader for nothing.
