Prime Premier League defender supplied to Actual Madrid as membership provides last response
Actual Madrid have dominated out any chance of signing Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk on a free switch this summer time, in accordance with .
Regardless of the defender’s pedigree and his contract expiring on the finish of the season, the Spanish giants have made it abundantly clear to his agent that they’re merely not .
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Van Dijk, broadly considered one of many best centre-backs of the Premier League period, was supplied to Los Blancos in latest weeks.
Nevertheless, the response from the membership was speedy and unequivocal: “He’s not what we’re on the lookout for.”
Actual Madrid have totally different plans
At 33, Van Dijk is approaching the twilight of his profession, and there may be rising concern that his finest years are firmly behind him.
Whereas the Dutchman stays a commanding presence within the Liverpool backline, his type has visibly dipped in latest seasons following accidents and the pure bodily decline that comes with age.
Actual Madrid have handed on the chance to signal Virgil van Dijk. (Picture by Carl Recine/Getty Photographs)
Actual Madrid, alternatively, are constructing a long-term mission rooted in youth, athleticism, and sustainability.
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In recent times, Florentino Perez and his crew have opted for rising stars, and the membership is clearly planning for the longer term. For this reason signing an ageing centre-back—even on a free—doesn’t align with their present imaginative and prescient.
Dean Huijsen is their decide
Whereas Van Dijk’s availability and not using a switch price could possibly be seen as a possibility for golf equipment in search of skilled management on the again, Actual Madrid are , who provide long-term potential and adaptableness.
The membership has additionally invested considerably within the growth of Castilla abilities and different loaned-out prospects, reinforcing their belief in inside development.
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Sources near the board have reiterated that Madrid’s strategic path is already firmly established, and no short-term choice will derail it.
Even when Van Dijk as soon as appeared like a dream acquisition, the membership’s management believes that point has handed. There isn’t a need to revert to signings that signify previous glories relatively than future success.