Virgil van Dijk makes feelings clear on Alisson’s future at Liverpool as Saudis chase transfer
The Dutchman has always been full of praise for his goalkeeper and has now spoken out on how “special” their relationship is both on and off the pitch in a recent interview
Virgil van Dijk has given his thoughts on the future of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson
Virgil van Dijk has made his feelings clear on Alisson’s future amid reports linking the Brazilian goalkeeper with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
The duo have enjoyed a successful career together since both arriving at Anfield in 2018, winning every trophy on offer – bar last season’s Europa League – and forming one of the most solid backlines in Premier League history.
But after six years at the top with Liverpool, both Van Dijk and Alisson’s futures have been up in the air this summer – in particular the latter’s. The Brazilian appears to have become the latest high-profile player to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia following reports one club has made him their number one target.
Liverpool, for its part, has no interest in losing Alisson and club captain Van Dijk has made his feelings clear on the future of his teammate in a recent interview with Amazon Prime Video. As per Liverpool’s club website, he said: “My relationship with him since the moment he walked into the club has been special.
“We have played so many games together, we won everything together and he is an incredible goalkeeper and incredible human being as well.” He added: “He is, in my eyes, the best goalie in the world.”
A recent report from TeamTalk claimed that Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr is the team who has made the Brazilian its number one target this summer, despite having already agreed personal terms with Manchester City star Ederson, who is said to be open to joining the Saudi giants.
There is currently no suggestion that the Reds man would be keen on an exit from Merseyside, yet Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of last season has been followed by the uncertainty of a number of players’ futures. Nonetheless, the Reds highly value the 31-year-old, and he remains contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2026.
Alisson has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer amid links to Saudi Arabia
In just six years with the Reds, Alisson has made more than 260 appearances and reached the milestone of 100 clean sheets for Liverpool, becoming only the seventh player in the club’s history to do so. His scintillating domestic form has also helped him to claim the No.1 spot for Brazil ahead of Man City’s Ederson.
Speaking on how what it’s like to have Alisson as the last line of defence at Liverpool, Van Dijk said: “It’s nice. I want him to not have anything to do! That’s my personal feeling. But obviously we play at the highest level, we’re playing against good teams and good strikers, and there could be moments that he has to do his job.
“And I’m very, very happy that he’s very good at this job as well. Him, me and the rest of our defenders, we live and dream of clean sheets and that’s what we aim for.”
The Brazilian is yet to link up with Arne Slot’s squad for pre-season following his international exploits at the 2024 Copa America with Brazil this summer, but once he is back it is hoped any doubts over his future will be resolved.
