Jurgen Klopp’s two-word warning about the Saudi Pro League’s financial strength may soon become a reality for Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk.
At the beginning of what turned out to be Klopp’s final season in charge, he was forced to overhaul his midfield after both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were lured to Saudi clubs Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad. At the time, Klopp cautioned that Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, could struggle to keep players from accepting the enormous wages on offer in Saudi Arabia.
Although Klopp will soon depart, Liverpool may again face that challenge, with reports claiming Al Hilal are now targeting Van Dijk. The situation is made more urgent by the fact that Van Dijk’s contract expires this summer, which could lead Liverpool to reflect on Klopp’s warning.
Reflecting on the exits of Henderson and Fabinho, Klopp admitted Liverpool had “no chance” of retaining them once the Saudi riches were presented. He also referenced Roberto Firmino, who joined Al-Ahli after his Liverpool contract ended, saying: “It was a special situation for us. Bobby’s contract expired, so he was free to make his choice. With Hendo and Fabinho, when I learned about the financial conditions, we had no chance. The offers are extraordinary—there are virtually no limits. If they can sign Cristiano Ronaldo, that says it all.”
According to talkSPORT, Van Dijk is now being eyed by Saudi clubs. If he makes the move, he would join a growing list of ex-Liverpool stars in the Saudi Pro League, including Fabinho, Firmino, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Sadio Mane, who signed for Al-Nassr after leaving Bayern Munich.
Van Dijk, who became the world’s most expensive defender when Liverpool bought him from Southampton for £75 million in 2018, has admitted his future is uncertain. Speaking recently, he said: “I genuinely have no idea at the moment. It’s not that things are on hold — there’s just nothing decided. My focus is on these last 10 games. If there’s news, you’ll hear about it. But right now, even I don’t know what will happen next season. Anyone claiming otherwise is lying.”
These comments came after Liverpool’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. Still, despite that disappointment, Liverpool are in a strong position domestically, sitting 15 points clear of second-placed Arsenal and on course to win the Premier League.