Arne Slot informed about the emergence of Virgil van Dijk replacement at the club, which will save Liverpool millions

One of Liverpool’s greatest centre backs in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk’s future is currently uncertain as his contract is about to expire, thus a long-term solution is required.

Legendary Liverpool player John Barnes believes that Jarrell Quansah is already the Reds’ apparent heir to Virgil van Dijk. After joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk is considered one of the team’s most important Premier League players. He has made 270 appearances for the Reds.

But with his contract expiring in June 2025 and speculation mounting about his future at Anfield, the discussion about who might replace him is getting more intense. Barnes thinks Liverpool’s incoming manager Arne Slot won’t have to look far for a replacement, despite the rumours.

He believes Quansah, 21, will step up to the plate and maybe establish himself as the team’s starting centre defender. Van Dijk, 33, was given a sabbatical after Euro 2024, therefore he is not currently participating in Liverpool’s preseason tour in the United States.

The Netherlands international hinted to a potential exit when he responded to recent rumours regarding his future, saying, “I will think carefully about what I want, both at club level and as an international player.” Although The Athletic claims that Liverpool’s management is unconcerned by those remarks, Barnes thinks Quansah may replace Van Dijk should he depart this year or the following.

The 60-year-old stated on bettingexpert.com: “Quansah didn’t disappoint last season, but I think Konate is still the top option next to van Dijk since he has the quality and experience. He performed with confidence, composure, and maturity.

Because of this, even if he isn’t selected first the following season, he has a bright future ahead of him, and as van Dijk ages, he may end up being the starting centre back for Liverpool. He can be a starter or a backup based on his performance thus far.”

It’s obvious that the Reds think highly of Quansah. In June, when they approached Newcastle about a transfer for Anthony Gordon, a winger, the Magpies proposed trading the defender for another player. But Slot’s team quickly disregarded this, showing that they thought Quansah was too valuable to sell and highlighting how important he is to the team.

After spending barely a year on loan in League One with Bristol Rovers, where he made his 33rd appearance for Liverpool and scored the game’s winning goal, Quansah’s ascent began. Despite not making the final selection, his outstanding performances earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euro 2024 roster.

He answered professionally in spite of the setback and even intimated that he would be the guy to step into Van Dijk’s big shoes. “I’m always a person who wants to improve and kick on,” he stated.

It’s to just keep becoming better and doing more of the same. As I previously stated, I want to strive to be the best version of myself, continually improve on the training field, be a sponge, and assimilate as much information as I can.”