In a development that could shake the foundations of European football, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has reportedly been approached by Saudi dealmakers representing Al-Hilal, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, regarding a potential transfer. The news, emerging just months before van Dijk’s contract with Liverpool expires in the summer of 2025, has sent shockwaves through the football world as the Dutch defender weighs his future amid a lucrative offer from the Middle East.
According to reports from French outlet L’Équipe, Al-Hilal has tabled an initial contract proposal that would see van Dijk earn upwards of €20 million (£16.8 million) per year—an offer that would make him one of the highest-paid defenders in the sport. With the 33-year-old set to become a free agent at the end of the current season, the Saudi club is positioning itself as a serious contender to lure the talismanic center-back away from Anfield, where he has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success since joining from Southampton in 2018 for a then-record £75 million fee.
Van Dijk, widely regarded as one of the world’s elite defenders, has remained coy about his future. Speaking earlier this week after Liverpool’s Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain, he dismissed speculation, stating, “Anyone who claims to know about my future is lying.” He emphasized his focus on the Reds’ remaining Premier League fixtures, with 10 games left in a season where Liverpool remains in contention for the title. However, the substantial financial package from Al-Hilal is said to be under consideration, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.
The approach from Al-Hilal aligns with the Saudi Pro League’s ambitious strategy to elevate its global profile by attracting marquee talent from Europe. The club, which already boasts former Premier League stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Rúben Neves, and João Cancelo, is reportedly eager to bolster its squad ahead of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup in the United States this summer. Van Dijk’s leadership, composure, and defensive prowess would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to Al-Hilal’s ambitions on the continental stage.
While van Dijk has not yet responded formally to the offer, sources suggest he is unlikely to make a final decision until the season concludes. The defender’s comments post-PSG—“I have no idea at the moment. Genuinely, I still have no idea”—underscore his current focus on Liverpool’s campaign, though the allure of a new challenge and a massive payday may prove difficult to ignore.
The Saudi interest in van Dijk follows a pattern of high-profile moves to the region, with players like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson having already made the switch from Liverpool in recent years. Should van Dijk join Al-Hilal, he could potentially reunite with teammate Mohamed Salah, who has also been heavily linked with a move to the same club amid his own contract uncertainty.