Liverpool plotting a move for €30m-rated La Liga defender seen as Virgil van Dijk's long-term successor: Reports
Liverpool have identified Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera as a possible successor for Virgil van Dijk, according to Fichajes. The Dutch star is in the final year of his contract with the Reds and is yet to sign a new deal.
Van Dijk has been a key ingredient in the Merseyside giants' recent success. Since arriving from Southampton in January 2018 in a reported £75m deal, the 33-year-old has been indispensable at Anfield.
The Netherlands international has appeared 279 times across competitions for Liverpool, helping the club win a Champions League and a Premier League title among other honors. This season, he has been firmly in new manager Arne Slot's plans, playing every minute of every game in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Recent reports suggest that the ace defender is already in talks with the Reds regarding an extension. Liverpool have recently tied down talented young centre-back Jarell Quansah to a new deal. They are reportedly also close to reaching an agreement with Ibrahima Konate regarding an extension.
However, Liverpool are also preparing for the future in the background, and are keen to lay down succession plans for Virgil van Dijk.
Cristhian Mosquera has been identified as a possible candidate to replace the Liverpool skipper. The 20-year-old has been rock solid at the back for Valencia and was also part of the Spain side that secured gold at the Paris Olympics this summer.
The youngster is under contract at the Mestalla until 2026 and could be available for just £25.1m. Valencia's poor financial situation could also aid the Reds' plans, but they will face competition from Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan for Mosquera's signature.
How have Liverpool performed this season?
Liverpool have taken to Arne Slot's tactics like fish to water. The Dutch manager was roped in as Jurgen Klopp's successor this summer and has enjoyed a great start to life at Anfield.
The Reds had a quiet summer transfer window, signing just Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will join next season, and Federico Chiesa. They were hot on the heels of Martin Zubimendi, but the midfielder apparently turned them down in favor of staying at Real Sociedad.
However, Slot has managed to get the best out of the squad at his disposal. The Merseyside giants have won nine of their 10 games across competitions.
They have conceded just five goals in all competitions, including just two in seven Premier League games. Liverpool are currently at the top of the pile in the league with 18 points, a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal.