“It’s the right and best place” - La Liga star opens up about his future amidst Liverpool transfer speculation
Sevilla defender Loic Bade has opened up about his future amid reported links with Liverpool. The Reds are reportedly targeting the French defender as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who is in the final year of his contract with the Reds.
France under-21 international Bade has come up as a strong candidate to take over the baton from Van Dijk, who has not received an extension offer from the Reds. The former Nottingham Forest centre-back spoke to MARCA about his TIME at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan and his wish to remain at the club for the foreseeable future.
He said (via Tribal football):
"I'm focused on work. I spoke to (sporting director) Victor Orta and told him that I'm very happy here, the most important thing is that all parties are happy.
"I've changed clubs many times, but now I'm happy, I need stability and I'm in a place where I feel good, that's why I wanted to continue at Sevilla. It's my home, it's the right and best place to give my best.
"I feel very good. I'm back with the group and I have a good feeling, it's also good news to have extended my agreement. I'm very happy, if I could become captain later it would be great news for me."
Loic Bade is contracted to the Spanish outfit until 2029, having recently penned an extension with them. The 24-year-old has featured thrice for Sevilla in La Liga this season, helping them keep one clean sheet.
Liverpool are set to enter a transitional period with two of their most important stars Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk well into their 30s and in the final year of their respective contracts.
The club have already signed Giorgi Mamardashvili as a potential heir to Alisson and will be looking to repeat the trick for their other important players.
Captain Van Dijk steers Liverpool to commanding Champions League win
Virgil van Dijk was on the scoresheet for Liverpool as they defeated AC Milan in their UEFA Champions League opener. The Reds came from behind to claim a 3-1 win over the Rossoneri at San Siro.
Christian Pulisic opened the scoring for the Italian side after just three minutes before Ibrahima Konate headed the Reds level 20 minutes later. Van Dijk added his name to the scoresheet four minutes before the interval to hand the lead to his side.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored his first goal of the season after 67 minutes to round off the scoring for Arne Slot's side in Italy. There was time for a debut from Federico Chiesa, who was a late substitute for Liverpool in the game.