Chelsea were among the clubs that “explored the idea of signing” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk on a free transfer, according to reports.
The Daily Mail claim that the Blues were keen on snapping up the Netherlands international if he didn’t stay on Merseyside.
However, van Dijk put pen to paper on a new deal yesterday, keeping him at Anfield for another two years. Fans on X don’t think the centre-back would have ever considered a move to Stamford Bridge:
Why would he downgrade 😂
— Freshlee (@eferogene) April 18, 2025
Very funny 😀 Chelsea?
— Cato✨ (@himurleh) April 18, 2025
😂😂😂. One of the last clubs he’d join.
— paul (@paulp_123) April 18, 2025
1) They can't offer such competitive wages like they used to. They couldn't even afford osihmen
2) VVD ONLY wanted Liverpool and he wouldn't go to a Non- CL club— Con (@ConLFC_2002) April 18, 2025
That man won’t go to a small club
— king 👑 😒 (@AdamDarmia) April 18, 2025
He would had rejected in a heartbeat
— Sean (@_19_6_LFC) April 18, 2025
What has van Dijk said about his decision to stay at Liverpool?
Although it did take some time to tie down the 33-year-old to a new contract, he told the club’s official website that he never considered proposals from other teams:
“It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.”
Chelsea were not the only team circling
It has been reported by more than one source that Paris Saint-Germain – the team that knocked Arne Slot‘s side out of the Champions League – were also hoping to secure the defender’s services.
Based on van Dijk’s words, it does appear as if his head was never turned by other clubs. He is now committed to staying with the Reds until the summer of 2027.
Click here to see Liverpool’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season
