Former Southampton captain Jose Fonte believes Virgil van Dijk still has several years at the highest level and would be an ideal signing for Europe’s biggest clubs if he departs Liverpool at the end of the season.
Softfootball understands the Dutch defender’s contract situation continues to attract attention, with no agreement yet reached over an extension at Anfield.
Van Dijk has been linked with clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as speculation surrounding his future continues to grow. Fonte believes all three European heavyweights would welcome the experienced centre-back because of his leadership, consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
The former Portugal international insisted Van Dijk remains among the world’s elite defenders despite approaching the latter stages of his career. He also suggested the Liverpool captain has looked after himself physically and is capable of maintaining top-level performances for several more seasons.
Although Liverpool remain hopeful of keeping their skipper beyond this campaign, uncertainty over his contract has fuelled transfer rumours across Europe. With Van Dijk free to negotiate with overseas clubs if no new deal is agreed, his future is expected to remain one of the biggest talking points before the summer transfer window.
