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It has been reported that club President Joan Laporta and Deco have already decided that Barcelona would not pursue the Liverpool defender Van Dijk, who could be on his way at the end of the season.
Virgil van Dijk. (X)
Barcelona sporting director Deco has reportedly shut the door on the opportunity to sign Virgil van Dijk in 2025. The Dutch centre-back has not signed a new contract with Liverpool and is expected to leave Anfield at the end of this season. Amid the ongoing negotiations, it was reported that The Reds captain could head to Spain and join Barcelona. While it is a great opportunity for the Blaugranas to sign one of the world’s best defenders, it has been reported that club President Joan Laporta and Deco have already decided that Barcelona would not pursue Van Dijk. As per a Diario Sport report (via Barca Blaugranes), the Dutchman was offered to Barcelona but Deco replied with a ‘resounding no’.
Barcelona were also reportedly offered the services of Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich but they weren’t interested. It is believed that Deco isn’t keen on adding another player in the midfield department as the team is already stacked with young talents including Marc Casado, Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Age is reportedly another factor Deco is considering. Kimmich recently turned 30 and could prove an unwise signing for the team. The same is true when it comes to Van Dijk who will turn 34 this summer. With Barcelona expected to sign Jonathan Tah as a free agent, the Dutchman isn’t on the cards for the Hansi Flick-coached side.
While Barcelona may have declined to sign Van Dijk in the summer of 2025, they remain on the lookout for a new centre-back. The Catalan giants are currently all set to part ways with Andreas Christensen who has reportedly fallen out of favour under Hansi Flick. With Christensen touted for an exit, Barcelona will be keen on adding a central defender to reinforce their squad.
Van Dijk, Mohammed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are in the final months of their contracts with Liverpool. The players have yet to agree on new deals with the Premier League leaders this season. Van Dijk’s transfer situation will likely be a big saga in the summer transfer window. The 33-year-old full-back has enjoyed a glorious career at Anfield, winning both the Premier League and the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp. With several top-level teams willing to compete for his services, the Liverpool defender must make a key decision on his future soon.
