Despite a public apology which stated that the club would withdraw from negotiations, the Liverpool Echo have indicated that there remains a possibility of Virgil Van Dijk joining the club from Southampton.
They cite the case of Thiago Silva’s move from AC Milan to Paris Saint-Germain, when the Brazilian completed a transfer only days after a very similar apology.
If true, it would suggest that the clubs agree to start negotiations afresh, partially in order for the Reds to avoid a potential fine or transfer ban if Southampton had reported them for contacting their player before being given permission to do so, and could be possible given that it is now common knowledge that the Dutch international had his heart set on a move to Anfield.
Another player who has his heart set on a certain move is midfielder Lucas Leiva, who looks likely to put and end to a decade at Anfield this summer. He told Radio Atlantida that he hopes to return to former club Gremio in an interview, as translated by the Liverpool Echo, in which he revealed:
“There was an offer from Gremio in January but I wanted to complete 10 years at Liverpool. Now in the window we had a conversation, but nothing official. I do not hide my desire to return to Gremio, but there are several factors.”
Used frequently as a squad option throughout the season both in midfield and defence by Jurgen Klopp, it’s clear to see why January was not the right time for the Brazilian to move, but he could now do so with the club likely to allow him to leave for free.
Another player open to a move this summer is goalkeeper Danny Ward as the Welsh international stated that he would like to return to loan club Huddersfield next season, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo. He said:
“On a selfish point, yeah. Development-wise for me, I’m only young for a goalkeeper and to have a chance of playing week in, week out in the Premier League will be vital for experience for someone of my age.
“From my point of view, it would be more beneficial (than being on the bench at Liverpool). But again, Liverpool have my contract and their needs come first, especially with the Champions League. But it’s out of my hands at the minute.
“I’m Liverpool’s player. They have to decide what’s best for me, I have my opinion, David will have his opinion and Jurgen will have his opinion.”
Ward was given some opportunities at the tale end of the 2015/16 season by Jurgen Klopp, but now finds himself fighting for a place at Anfield with Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius, and could be tempted by the chance to remain a hero at Huddersfield after helping them to earn promotion with his penalty saves in both the semi-final and final.
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