Virgil van Dijk contract latest: Liverpool identify 'replacement' defender in Bundesliga as Arne Slot prepares for turbulent summer

The Reds were beaten 2-1 at Wembley by Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final on Sunday, with the Magpies regularly threatening the Merseysdiers' backline.

Boss Arne Slot admitted that Newcastle were deserving winners, but the club do have the opportunity to win the Premier League in the next months and put the disappointment of the final behind them.

However, with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk all out of contract in the summer, there are fears that the team's success on the pitch could be overshadowed by their departures.

Fichajes claim that Liverpool are already scouting Wolfsburg centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis as a possible replacement for Van Dijk should the Dutchman end his time at the club in the summer.

Can Koulierakis replace Van Dijk?

Koulierakis only moved to Wolfsburg in the 2024-25 summer transfer window, but despite the current campaign being his first in a top-five league, the 21-year-old has stood out for his team this season.

The Wolves could qualify for European football this term and the centre-back has been key to his side's success, attempting the most passes (1,298) while also progressing the ball further forward (2,317 yards) than any of his teammates.

Though his passing ability would make him a suitable candidate to replicate Van Dijk's impact on the ball, his aerial duel success rate of 59% (1.9 per 90) is significantly less than the Liverpool defender's figure of 71% (3.1 per 90).

There are arguably few centre-backs as well rounded as Van Dijk, and it is difficult to see anyone claiming his place in the XI and performing at his level.

How many players will Liverpool lose?

There remains a real possibility that Liverpool could lose three of their best players, with Alexander-Arnold strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid and Salah attracting interest from teams in the Saudi Pro League.

Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz both disappointed in the EFL Cup final, and their struggles to impact games has led to speculation about their long-term futures at Anfield.

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has also been linked with a move to Merseyside, but his arrival in the summer would likely mean that one of Andrew Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas would have to leave the club to pave way for the Hungarian.

Slot's first season at Liverpool will undoubtedly be a successful one if he is able to win the Reds their 20th league title, but he may face several challenges next season depending on who departs in the summer.

Written by

Lewis Nolan