Virgil van Dijk laughs off Real Madrid transfer link

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has rejected a potential transfer link to Real Madrid.

The Dutch international produced an excellent defensive performance against Los Blancos in the Reds' 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory at Anfield.

Van Dijk rallied the home backline that evening to secure his first ever career victory over the defending European champions.

However, his long-term future on Merseyside is unclear as his contract expires at the end of the 2024/2025 season.

Van Dijk's representatives are in discussions with the club about a new contract, but no agreement has yet been reached.

The experienced centre-back was asked by journalists from El Chiringuito about the possibility of a free transfer to Madrid in 2025, but he insisted there is no update at this stage.

“Does Real Madrid need a defender? But [Antonio] Rudiger is there, right? “I am completely focused on Manchester City this weekend and I have nothing else to say about my future,” he said.

Negotiations could continue until early 2025 – where Van Dijk will be eligible to open free transfer talks with non-English teams – but his preference is to stay on Merseyside.