Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr plotting blockbuster move for Liverpool superstar in the summer transfer window - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are plotting a move for Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk in the summer transfer window, as per Spanish outlet MARCA.
According to this report, the Saudi Pro League side's general director will soon meet with the Netherlands international's representatives. Further, it is believed that an offer will be made to Van Dijk's entourage that will make the centre-back the highest-paid defender in the world.
The former Southampton man has only a year left on his current deal at Anfield and would walk away for free next summer if the Reds fail to extend his contract. Although 32 years old, Van Dijk is still putting in top performances for the Merseysiders.
This season, he made 48 appearances across competitions, bagging four goals and two assists. Overall, Van Dijk has played 270 matches across competitions for Liverpool, bagging 23 goals and 12 assists.
He's won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League once each at Anfield, among other honors. Given that he's still performing at a considerably high level and that age hasn't caught up to him, he may want to remain in Europe.
However, Ronaldo has proven that players from the Saudi Pro League can end up performing at the highest level as well. He was called up by Portugal for Euro 2024, just like Al-Ittihad midfielder N'Golo Kante, who made it to France's squad for the tournament this summer.
Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool defender has been linked with Saudi Arabia move
Liverpool star Joe Gomez has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. With three years left on his deal, it is believed that Saudi Pro League clubs could approach the defender for his services.
Despite Gomez's versatility in playing multiple positions across the backline, he's failed to nail down a starting position under Jurgen Klopp. Amid worries over guaranteed game time, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano told GIVEMESPORT:
"There were some conversations about the possibility to consider new centre-backs in important Saudi clubs, and Joe Gomez could be an option. But at the moment, there is no proper negotiation with Liverpool or with the player."
A deal for the England international will not be easy, with German giants Bayern Munich also said to be eyeing a move for Gomez (via Mirror). To date, he's made 224 senior appearances for the Reds, bagging nine assists.