Bayern Munich is attempting to sign Virgil van Dijk (34, Liverpool).
On the 18th (Korean time), British outlet Football Insider reported, "Bayern Munich has contacted the agent of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and has initiated preliminary negotiations for a potential free transfer."
Van Dijk is a center-back born in 1991, known for his physical presence and aerial ability, with a height of 195 cm. He also possesses quick speed, high defensive intelligence, and skill in handling the ball and building up play. He is regarded as a complete center-back with leadership qualities.
He led Liverpool to the Premier League title in the 2019-2020 season and also contributed to their UEFA Champions League victory in the 2018-2019 season. As a result, he finished second in the Ballon d'Or in 2019.
Although he is still active as a key player for Liverpool, his future remains uncertain. Due to his age, the club seems unsure about a contract renewal.
Football Insider noted that "the transfer rumors surrounding Bayern Munich and van Dijk stem from the exclusive report by Mick Brown, who served as the head scout at Manchester United and Blackburn. In an interview with this outlet, he stated that 'Bayern has become a serious contender in the race to acquire van Dijk.'"
Of course, the final decision rests with van Dijk himself, and he is contemplating whether to continue competing in the Premier League with Liverpool.
Earlier in February, Football Insider reported, "Liverpool and van Dijk have not made significant progress in reaching a new contract. Liverpool hopes to extend his contract, but negotiations are not progressing properly."
It further explained, "Under the current contract terms, van Dijk can leave Liverpool as a free agent in June, and overseas clubs have been able to negotiate with his agent since January."
The outlet reported, "Bayern Munich is striving to strengthen its squad with the goal of winning the Bundesliga and the Champions League, and is targeting van Dijk as a key signing due to his potential availability as a free agent."
Real Madrid was mentioned as a club that could compete for the signing of van Dijk. The outlet stated, "Mick Brown has indicated that Real Madrid is also closely monitoring van Dijk's contract situation and is seeking to acquire him."
Brown explained, "Bayern has emerged as a serious competitor for van Dijk's signing. They have contacted his agent to gauge his interest in a transfer. Ultimately, money will be the most crucial factor."
He stated, "You can see how well Harry Kane has performed in Germany after leaving the Premier League. It could provide van Dijk with a relatively comfortable environment to maintain his performance without the intense pressure of the Premier League. However, leaving Liverpool and the Premier League is akin to taking a step down for any team."
He added, "Therefore, whether van Dijk stays with Liverpool to continue competing or chooses a new challenge is a decision that he must make for himself."
Football Insider reported, "With van Dijk's future becoming uncertain, Liverpool is focusing on acquiring a new center-back during the summer transfer window. Brown stated that Liverpool is targeting Marc Guéhi, the captain of Crystal Palace, and Dean Huysen, who plays for Bournemouth, as top priorities. Guéhi serves as the captain of Crystal Palace and has consistently performed for the England national team, making him a likely candidate for a summer transfer."
If van Dijk transfers to Bayern Munich, he could potentially become a partner or a competitor for Kim Min-jae.
[OSEN = Jung Seung-woo, reporter]