Real Madrid Consider 2027 Move for Liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk

Real Madrid are considering a move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk when his current deal ends in 2027, while Liverpool are among the clubs tracking Club Tijuana and Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora. The two developments could shape the planning of both clubs at opposite ends of the age profile: Van Dijk is 35, while Mora is only 17.

What changed for the club

Madrid are assessing Van Dijk as a possible free-agent addition at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. Liverpool have yet to put a renewal proposal to the Dutch centre-back, whose arrival from Southampton in 2018 preceded a major period of success at Anfield.

During his Liverpool spell, Van Dijk has won every domestic honour, along with the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Jose Mourinho already has two former Liverpool defenders in his Madrid squad, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté, both of whom joined after their Liverpool contracts ran down.

AC Milan, Galatasaray and Inter Miami are also being linked with Van Dijk, leaving Liverpool with a significant contract decision ahead of next season.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are following Mora after his strong recent form for Tijuana and Mexico. The teenager scored five times in his first seven matches of the new campaign after impressing at the World Cup during the summer. Tijuana expect to sell him after the season, when they believe his valuation could peak, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested.

• Manchester United are considering Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, 29, as competition for Benjamin Sesko and added depth for Michael Carrick. Mateta has nine months left on his Palace deal and is open to a new challenge; Saudi Arabian clubs are watching his position.
• Bayern Munich have placed Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, 27, on their list as a possible long-term replacement for Kim Min-jae. Koundé signed a five-year Barcelona extension in August 2025 but has not become a regular starter in La Liga this season.
• Juventus could make Teun Koopmeiners available in January if the 28-year-old does not improve considerably. Everton, Newcastle and Monaco made checks in the summer, and Juventus may entertain a loan despite his €5.7 million annual salary.

Competition context

Madrid’s defensive planning also includes goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Manchester City player, 27, is being considered as a longer-term successor to Thibaut Courtois, with his Champions League experience viewed as a major factor.

Any City decision could be affected by the outcome of the club’s Premier League financial case. City were found guilty on Tuesday of almost all 115 charges and have until Friday to lodge an appeal.

Bayern’s interest in Koundé comes alongside continued scrutiny of their wider defensive options. AC Milan are preparing a potential approach for Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae, while Milan’s immediate internal priority is a new contract for Strahinja Pavlovic. Talks over Christian Pulisic’s future are expected to follow nearer the winter window.

Several other leading clubs are monitoring younger targets. Brighton’s Yasin Ayari has drawn attention from Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Newcastle. Bayern are also keeping watch on Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno, while Inter Milan considered Brentford right-back Michael Kayode during the summer.

What is scheduled next

Liverpool’s immediate decisions concern whether to open formal talks with Van Dijk and whether to enter the competition for Mora before Tijuana invite bids at season’s end. Madrid will continue to review their goalkeeping and centre-back options as Van Dijk’s contract situation develops.

Bayern are preparing discussions over a new agreement for Michael Olise, while Bournemouth hope to complete a fresh contract for Alex Scott before January. Everton’s position on Jarrad Branthwaite is that only an offer of at least £80 million would be accepted amid Liverpool links.

Elsewhere, Bologna are weighing up a move for free-agent defender Matteo Darmian after he trains with the club. Juventus’ January decision on Koopmeiners and Bayern’s possible move for Koundé could also alter the market for Kim Min-jae during the winter window.