Liverpool is set to enter a €60 million transfer race to secure a new player to succeed Van Dijk in January…

Liverpool is gearing up for a €60 million transfer showdown to secure a successor for Van Dijk this January.

In January, Liverpool is poised to engage in a €60 million transfer contest to find Van Dijk’s successor.

Liverpool is poised to engage in a €60 million transfer contest to secure the services of Sevilla defender Loic Bade as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk in January.

The club is keenly searching for a replacement for their captain, who is currently 33 years old.

Van Dijk is in the final year of his contract, with ongoing uncertainty regarding negotiations for an extension.

Liverpool has a firm policy against offering substantial contracts to players approaching the twilight of their careers.

Nonetheless, the situation surrounding the Dutch captain is exceptional, as he continues to excel on the field and remains a key player for Liverpool.

His performance merits a new contract, and the club is keen to avoid losing their top talents on a free transfer.

Regarded as one of the premier defenders globally, Van Dijk shows no signs of decline in his abilities.

However, Liverpool recognizes the need for additional competition in the left center-back position to eventually take over from him.

As reported by Fichajes, Liverpool is targeting Sevilla’s Bade to fill this role, facing significant competition from PSG and Bayern Munich.

The 24-year-old has a release clause set at €60 million and earns approximately €80,192 weekly while being a regular starter for the Spanish side.

Player analysis: Loic Bade.

At 1.91 meters tall, the French defender brings a commanding presence to the defense, combining balance and strength with his height.

While his pace may be a concern, his excellent positioning skills effectively mitigate this shortcoming.

The 24-year-old right-footed center-back possesses the skill and technique to impact the game from the defensive line when in possession.

Bade is adept at advancing with the ball, showcasing dribbling abilities reminiscent of Joel Matip’s style during his time at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

A comparison of Sevilla’s Loic Bade and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk highlights their performances in the 2023-24 season.

Bade has attracted interest from Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Having reached a pivotal stage in his career, Bade has refined his skills, with experience now being his primary avenue for growth.

While he does not yet match Van Dijk in terms of performance and reliability, he possesses the potential to evolve into a top-tier defender.

Bade boasts a robust profile, excelling in aerial challenges, passing, and maintaining possession, positioning him as a viable successor to Van Dijk.

Nevertheless, Liverpool has a preference for left-footed players, and the French defender has certain limitations, including a relative lack of speed.

The English Premier League is unforgiving in capitalizing on any player’s shortcomings if they struggle to adapt to the competitive environment.