Al Hilal makes an offer for Virgil van Dijk

Al Hilal has made a significant offer for Virgil van Dijk, according to L'Équipe. The 33-year-old Dutch center-back, who is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool, has become a target for the Saudi club, which is looking to continue its trend of signing top European stars.

The proposal includes a net salary of €20 million per year, an enormous sum that would make Van Dijk one of the highest-paid defenders in football history. Despite the financial appeal, the Liverpool captain has not yet responded to the offer and is carefully weighing his options. With his contract at Anfield set to expire, he is expected to attract interest from major European clubs in the summer, giving him the opportunity to remain at the highest level of competition for a few more years before making a possible move outside of Europe.

Van Dijk's future comes at a time of major transition at Liverpool. The club is already facing uncertainty regarding the futures of other key players, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah also approaching the final months of their contracts. This means that Liverpool could be on the verge of a significant squad rebuild. With Jürgen Klopp set to leave at the end of the season, incoming manager Arne Slot will face crucial decisions regarding player renewals and transfers. Losing a leader like Van Dijk, along with other star players, could force Liverpool to make major reinforcements in order to maintain its competitive level.

Since arriving at Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has been one of the most transformative signings in the club’s modern history. His leadership, defensive quality, and presence on the field helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020, solidifying his status as one of the best defenders of his generation. His calmness under pressure, ability to read the game, and dominance in aerial duels have made him an indispensable figure at Anfield. Even though he is now 33, he remains one of the top defenders in world football, which is why both European clubs and ambitious projects like Al Hilal are showing interest in securing his signature.

Al Hilal’s pursuit of Van Dijk is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing push to attract elite footballers from Europe. The Saudi Pro League has become one of the most aggressive spenders in world football, signing players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Sadio Mané in recent transfer windows. Backed by massive financial investment, clubs like Al Hilal are offering record-breaking salaries to convince stars to leave Europe and join a league that is still growing in quality and reputation. A move to Al Hilal would guarantee financial security for Van Dijk while allowing him to play alongside some of the world’s top players in a league that continues to evolve.

Despite the financial incentives, Van Dijk will have to carefully consider his next move. If he chooses to stay in Europe, he would still have the chance to compete in the Champions League and fight for major trophies with a top club, something he would not have in Saudi Arabia. His competitive nature and ambition could play a key role in his decision, as he still has a few years left at the highest level. However, if Liverpool does not offer him a contract renewal, and if top European clubs do not come forward with a compelling project, the Al Hilal proposal could become more tempting.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Van Dijk’s future remains uncertain. His current focus is on finishing the season strongly with Liverpool, as the club aims to compete for silverware in Klopp’s final campaign. However, with no contract extension in place, speculation around his next step is expected to intensify in the coming months. Liverpool may face one of its most crucial transfer windows in recent years, as it risks losing multiple key players while entering a new era under Arne Slot. The decisions made this summer will shape the club’s future, and the potential departure of Van Dijk could mark the end of an era at Anfield.

How odds move and what AI can learn from bookmakers

Learn why football odds move, what drives bookmaker price changes from opening to closing lines, and how AI models can use odds and line movement without leakage.

The best data sources for AI soccer predictions

A practical guide to the best data sources for AI soccer predictions, covering event data, tracking data, odds, injuries, and open datasets, plus how to choose, validate, and combine them.

Liverpool confirm Alexander Isak suffers broken leg and undergoes surgery

Ankle surgery for Alexander Isak will keep the Liverpool striker out for an undefined period after he suffered a fibula fracture in the win at Tottenham.

Expected goals explained and how AI uses xG to predict results

Understand expected goals (xG) from first principles and see how AI uses xG, shot quality, and team context to predict football results with stronger accuracy and calibration.

Machine learning vs human intuition in match forecasting

Compare machine learning and human intuition in match forecasting, examining strengths, blind spots, and why a hybrid approach often delivers the most dependable predictions.

How AI Is Changing Football Predictions in 2026

Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming football predictions through richer data, smarter models, real-time context, and stronger transparency and governance.

Alavés pay a very high price for reaching the round of sixteen

Alavés beat Sevilla to reach the Copa del Rey round of sixteen, but injuries to Jonny Otto and Lucas Boyé threaten their plans ahead of the Osasuna clash.

Benzema praises Sergio Conceicao

Karim Benzema reflects on his progression at Al Ittihad, admits his first season was average, praises Sergio Conceicao’s training intensity, and argues Saudi football is improving fast and is closer to Europe’s level than many believe.

Flamengo win the Brazilian title after winning the Libertadores

Flamengo crowned an historic season by clinching the Brazilian league title with a 1-0 win over Ceará, just four days after lifting their fourth Copa Libertadores.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Top Countries

News and Articles

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

Alavés pay a very high price for reaching the round of sixteen

Alavés beat Sevilla to reach the Copa del Rey round of sixteen, but injuries to Jonny Otto and Lucas Boyé threaten their plans ahead of the Osasuna clash.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Flamengo win the Brazilian title after winning the Libertadores

Flamengo crowned an historic season by clinching the Brazilian league title with a 1-0 win over Ceará, just four days after lifting their fourth Copa Libertadores.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.