Barcelona and Real Madrid battle it out to sign the world’s best defender from Liverpool as both the club plan on bolstering their defence for the upcoming season.
For the last 2 years, Liverpool FC has been the best team in England and the world. However, the former Champions League winners and current favourites were stunned at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium after Atletico scored an early goal from Saul Niguez.
The return leg at Anfield would be a tremendous challenge for Diego Simeone’s men, however, Atletico Madrid is generally rock solid at the back on their best days.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
If Liverpool does crash out from the round of 16 of the Champions League, then several star players would be looking for a way out. One of the star players who would be certain to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid is Virgil Van Dijk, according to Don Balon.
The Dutch defender would be the signing of the decade for whichever club successfully sign the player. In the case of the Blaugrana, it seems almost impossible to pull this move off as the club focus on bringing Martinez and Neymar to calm the waters in the club.
However, the English Merseyside team will not let their defender go cheap. Liverpool would demand a minimum of 120 million euros for the Dutch defender, if not more to rule out the possible move to Camp Nou, according to Don Balon.
Josep Maria Bartomeu has promised Lionel Messi a proper revamp of the Barcelona squad and club by signing a few star players to please the Barca captain. Barca will attempt to sign Martinez and Neymar, both the players would cost a handful for the Catalan club which would lower their chances of signing the Dutch defender from Liverpool.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have the financial backing for the possible move for Van Dijk. It is quite noticeable that without Mendy on the field, the Whites have a tough time trying to stop the opposition. Real Madrid could opt to load off Marcelo who has become a liability at the club to generate some extra revenue for the Dutch defender’s move.
With an ageing 33-year-old Sergio Ramos leading the team from the defence, Real Madrid has considered Van Dijk to be the perfect replacement.
Although the Real Madrid captain is wanting to renew his contract, the club is in no rush as they keep their eyes open for a possible replacement.
Virgil Van Dijk would be the signing of the decade for the Los Blancos, the defender is taller, stronger and has a better touch on the ball when compared to Sergio Ramos.
The only question for Florentino Perez is if the Liverpool star can handle the immense pressure at the Bernabeu like Ramos has done all these years, according to Don Balon.
Zidane and Florentino Perez have some serious work to do to sign their new Galactico. If Liverpool does lose against Atletico Madrid in the champions league, it could be the beginning of the end to a team that created so many stars that can now leave.