Report: Liverpool told to pay £25m if they want to sign Virgil van Dijk's replacement

Today at 07:08 AM

Liverpool had a pretty quiet summer transfer window.

Arne Slot added just two new signings to his ranks, with Federico Chiesa joining from Juventus and Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, though, he has returned to Spain for the season.

Slot did try to sign Martin Zubimendi over the summer but the Spaniard opted to remain at Real Sociedad.

So evidently, Liverpool still have funds available to spend in Janaury and with that said, they’ve just been linked to a defender on the continent.

• READ MORE: Liverpool lining up January bid for £21m fullback who plays just like Kyle Walker

Liverpool told to pay £25m for Loic Bade

According to Spanish outlet Vamos Mi Sevilla, Liverpool are interested in signing Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade.

Bade has been identified as Virgil van Dijk’s replacement, with the Dutchman’s contract due to expire at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has really impressed in La Liga since making a permanent switch from Stade Rennais in 2023.

Bade, who had a spell in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest previously, has recently been called up to the French national team.

For that reason, Sevilla are now demanding offers of around £25m for their prized asset, as Liverpool continue to circle.

Bade could be Virgil van Dijk’s replacement

Bade’s FBref statistics make for very impressive reading.

The Frenchman ranks in the top three per cent for successful take-ons per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe, evincing his terrific ball-carrying abilities from the back – something we often see from Van Dijk at Anfield.

Further, Bade sits in the top four per cent for tackles, amplifying his defensive qualities, too.

Interestingly, data suggests he’s of a similar profile to Ezri Konsa – who is flourishing in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

Evidently, if Liverpool were to land his signature, he certainly has the traits to replace some of van Dijk’s best qualities.