Sevilla defender Loic Bade is “among the candidates” as Liverpool consider replacements for Virgil van Dijk, according to Caught Offside.
The website claims that the Reds are sending scouts to watch the Frenchman, who was called up by his country during the last international break.
Fans on X are not happy about the prospect of Bade succeeding van Dijk, while others have questioned the reliability of the source for the story:
We are finished
— Addi (@Addiynwa) September 15, 2024
That’s a joke?!
— dex morgan (@Ufukhanius) September 16, 2024
Virgil replacement. More like a Konate rotation option. He’s not even a left-footed defender
— Jesse 🇺🇸🇲🇽 (@Jay_LFC_97) September 15, 2024
HELL NO….
— DANI SETIAWAN (@ds205063) September 16, 2024
He is not good enough to replace Jo Gomez, let alone Virgil.
— Sool-dweller ☆ (@GoraySool) September 15, 2024
More than disappointed in Liverpool on this one
— THE SPECIALIST (@ScouserNigerian) September 16, 2024
Isnt good enough
— Tiwalade Adebisi (@manliketiwalade) September 15, 2024
Would be unforgivable if we don't offer Virgil a new contract
— Cathal Robinson (@CathalRobinson) September 15, 2024
Bade has a release clause
The centre-back only joined Sevilla from Rennes last year but Caught Offside report that there is a €50m (£42m) buyout fee in his contract.
Bade is 24 so he does fit the age profile that Liverpool would be looking at. However, he is right-footed and he generally plays as the right-sided centre-half too, unlike van Dijk.
Sevilla haven’t exactly been impressive defensively since the player’s arrival in Spain either. Last campaign, they conceded 54 goals in 38 matches and this season they have already let in 6 in 4 games.
Liverpool are likely to be targeting other centre-backs
Considering van Dijk’s contract situation, the Reds’ recruitment department will be putting contingency plans in place just in case the Dutchman leaves.
You can’t see Bade being top of the list of options, though. Other names, including Bayer Leverkusen pair Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapie, as well as Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, have been mentioned in recent weeks but it is not known who the primary target is.
Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
