Liverpool opens discussions with Chelsea for Van Dijk’s replacement as Saudi departure plan takes form.

Sooner or later, Virgil van Dijk’s famous Liverpool career appears to be coming to an end. The soon-to-be 33-year-old’s contract expires in 2025, and there has been no progress towards a new deal.

On international duty a few weeks ago, the Netherlands captain remarked that conversations about a new contract would not make sense right now, sparking suspicion that he could be leaving Liverpool soon.

Then came word that the Reds planned to postpone talks on a new contract until the end of 2024, leaving Van Dijk free to negotiate a contract with foreign clubs beginning in January.

Van Dijk will be 34 years old when his current contract expires, so it seems to reason that Liverpool’s management would be developing a succession plan.

The former Celtic custodian is emerging as a prominent target for Saudi Pro League clubs this summer, with a shocking new report claiming that the £75 million defender’s representatives are in the process of cancelling a deal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

If the captain leaves this summer or next, Liverpool will need a top-tier replacement to fill in on the left side of their central defence.

According to the most recent sources, the Reds have returned to pursue a long-term objective.

Liverpool are inquiring about Levi Colwill.

Liverpool has pursued Chelsea’s Levi Colwill since his loan spell at Brighton in 2022/23. When he returned to Stamford Bridge last summer, the Reds made numerous attempts to sign him but were unsuccessful.

Liverpool’s decision-makers reportedly praised Colwill’s pace and adaptability, as he could play on the left side of a centre back tandem, in a back three, and at left back.

At first glance, he may be a substitute for Van Dijk, a man who could produce a tactical change if Trent Alexander-Arnold moves into midfield from right back and provides cover for the now-injured Andy Robertson all at once.

According to HITC, Liverpool has began talks with Chelsea about signing the 21-year-old England international, who is reportedly disgruntled about being forced to play left back rather than his preferred centre back position.

Chelsea trading Academy Graduates

Colwill played 32 games for the Blues last season under Mauricio Pochettino, captaining the team once, but primarily as a left back.

He is contracted at Stamford Bridge until 2029, with the club retaining an option for an additional year, so any deal will be difficult.

As Chelsea seeks financial flexibility, homegrown players such as Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, and Armando Broja have been actively sought after, but academy graduate Colwill is regarded as a crucial asset by Chelsea’s owners.

Liverpool’s trump card in discussions for the player might be a pledge to utilise him as a centre defender, an option that has come into prominence as Van Dijk’s leaving plans unfold.

Colwill missed the conclusion of the season due to a toe injury, but he is anticipated to be a major player for both club and nation in the coming seasons.