Transfer Rumors: Juventus Set To Make World-Record Bid For This Liverpool Superstar

Serie A champions Juventus reportedly are aiming to make a world-record transfer bid for Liverpool FC’s star defender Virgil van Dijk.

If the Italian giants successfully make the move in the coming summer, the transfer fee of $197 million will be the highest-ever for a defender, a record that is currently held by van Dijk himself for his $98m switch from Southampton to Liverpool in January 2018.

Since his move to Anfield, van Dijk has made 100 appearances for Liverpool, who are nearing their first Premier League title in 30 years. The defender, who finished runner’s up at the latest Ballon d’Or awards, is almost irreplaceable in the Reds’ squad and it would be a task for Juventus to lure him during the summer’s transfer season.

Having snatched Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, Juventus now hopes to rope in van Dijk to strengthen their chances of finally challenging for a Champions League title, a trophy they have not won since 1996.

The 28-year-old Dutchman could be open to the move if Liverpool win the Premier League in the ongoing 2019-20 season and add the much-awaited trophy to their cabinet that already includes Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup honors.

“After winning a bagful of trophies with Liverpool, Juventus think he may be ready for a new challenge at the end of the season — especially as he’s been playing in the UK for a few years.

And the club is actively planning to make a huge bid for him in the summer,” a source from Juventus told The Sun.

Earlier, van Dijk admitted that “I’m 28 now and I want to fulfill every dream I ever had. Life can be short. Your career can be short as well."

I’m enjoying playing with this team and this manager. We can’t look too far ahead. But right now, I’m enjoying it.”

Van Dijk has played a vital role in Liverpool’s phenomenal run this season where the Reds have conceded only 15 goals – the least by any club this season so far.