Van Dijk nearly joined Real Madrid

04/11/2025 21:07:00 ScoreStream

Central defender Virgil van Dijk had shown willingness to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2025, yet the club refused over worries about his age and previous injury issues.

According to AS (Spain), Virgil van Dijk proactively contacted Real Madrid through his agent last season to discuss a possible free transfer in summer 2025. At that time, the Dutch star rejected several attractive offers, including one from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, as he aspired to wear the “Los Blancos” jersey. However, the Spanish giants turned him down due to concerns about his age and the serious knee ligament injury he suffered in 2020.

Despite Liverpool’s early offer to extend his contract, Van Dijk still hoped to play in Spain. Nevertheless, Real Madrid opted for a long-term strategy by signing young defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth instead of relying on a player who is past his prime. After being rejected, Van Dijk agreed to a new two-year deal with Liverpool, extending his stay until 2027.

GOAL - Blank WEB - Facebook3501 — Virgil van Dijk once expressed a strong desire to join Real Madrid (Photo: GOAL)

Joining The Reds from Southampton in January 2018 for a record fee for a defender, Van Dijk quickly became a defensive icon. He has appeared in over 330 matches, scored 30 goals, and played a key role in helping Liverpool win major titles such as the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. The Dutch player was honored as the Best Male Player in Europe in 2019 and finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting, just behind Lionel Messi.

However, Van Dijk’s and Liverpool’s form this season has been inconsistent. After starting with seven consecutive wins, the Merseyside club unexpectedly slumped with six defeats in their last seven games, including four straight losses against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Legend Wayne Rooney believes Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah “have yet to show leadership,” noting that their body language “is not as strong as before.”

untitledlds-6909c50fa39b1 — In the early hours of November 5, Liverpool will face Real Madrid in a major showdown (Photo: Club)

On the morning of November 5 (Vietnam time), Liverpool will host Real Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League. For Van Dijk, this match is not only about pride but also an opportunity to prove his worth and send a message to the club that once rejected him.

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