Liverpool line up two potential Van Dijk successors for summer window

Liverpool have shortlisted Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck and Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo as potential successors to Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season and will turn 36 in July, with a decision to be made on the Dutchman’s future. Regardless of whether Van Dijk or Liverpool opt to extend his contact, a long-term successor is being sought for the summer.

Joe Gomez’s deal is also set to expire at the end of the season, while Ronald Araujo is on loan for the campaign. Liverpool do have an option to sign Araujo permanently for around £47m.

Schlotterbeck and Murillo have both emerged as options, with both natural left-sided defenders. Schlotterbeck has built a reputation as one of Europe’s leading defenders when it comes to ball progression and has a release clause of €50m to €60m in his new Dortmund contract, eligibile for selected clubs in 2027. It’s unclear whether Liverpool are among the clubs that can trigger the clause.

CaughtOffside claim Murillo is also admired at Anfield. The Nottingham Forest defender’s aggression in duels and recovery speed have impressed since his arrival in the Premier League. He ranked second in the Premier League for interceptions per 90 last season.

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