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Virgil van Dijk theory emerges after Liverpool star's private chat with PSG chiefs
@Source: mirror.co.uk
Rio Ferdinand believes Virgil van Dijk could be tempted by a switch to PSG if the French powerhouse comes calling.
The Liverpool captain's contract expires this summer, and with renewal talks seemingly stalled, a summer exit appears increasingly likely. Following the Reds' penalty shootout loss to PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday, Van Dijk was seen chatting in the tunnel with the Ligue 1 club's sporting director Luis Campos and chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
This, along with Van Dijk's recent admission that he has "no idea" about his future at Anfield, has seen speculation growing that he could be heading to the Parc des Princes at the end of the season. However, French outlet RMC reports that the Dutch star's discussion with Campos and Al-Khelaifi was nothing more than "an impromptu chat," with no mention of a potential transfer.
Still, Manchester United icon Ferdinand thinks that if PSG were to table an offer, Van Dijk would seriously weigh his options. "Before those quotes I'd have said that Liverpool are going to [re-]sign him and keep him there," the former England defender, 46, said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
"Captain, trophies coming in, why is he going to want to go anywhere else? But if Paris St Germain come knocking now - a young, hungry team, I'd definitely listen [if I was him]. If Real Madrid come, I'd go. Then there's Saudi, I don't think Virgil's ready to go Saudi. I don't know man, I think it's 50-50 whether he's going to stay or not."
When questioned about his contract situation earlier this week, Van Dijk maintained that he remains uncertain about his next move, insisting that anyone claiming otherwise is "lying to your face." The 33-year-old stated: "I've no idea [if I will stay]."
He added: "I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely, I have no idea at the moment. Talks aren't on hold, nothing's on hold. I keep saying the same thing. Listen, there are 10 games to go and that's my full focus.
"If there is news you guys will know it. I don't even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes, but that's about it. At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they're lying to your face."
Van Dijk isn't the only Liverpool star facing an uncertain future. Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also nearing the final stretch of their current deals at Anfield. Salah, who looked visibly emotional after Tuesday's Champions League exit, sparked speculation that he may have played his last game in the competition for the club.
The Egyptian forward, who was named Premier League Player of the Month for a record-tying seventh time on Friday, has been heavily linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. Reports suggest multiple clubs are ready to offer him a significant salary increase to lure him to the Gulf. While Salah has expressed his desire to remain at Liverpool, no agreement has been reached yet, and the clock is ticking.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off injured during the second half against PSG, continues to be linked with a summer switch to Real Madrid. It's believed that Los Blancos are confident they can sign him once his contract runs out, though Liverpool are still hopeful of convincing him to stay.
The right-back is set to miss Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle but is expected to return before the season concludes, according to manager Arne Slot.
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