Five Virgil van Dijk replacements Liverpool must sign as European rivals push for transfer

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Liverpool is facing the possibility of losing Virgil van Dijk this summer, as links emerge over a potential exit for the defender in the summer transfer window.Virgil van Dijk has been linked with an exit from Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images))Virgil van Dijk's future has been called into question once again, as links have emerged over a potential exit for the Liverpool captain in the transfer window.The 34-year-old has just one year left on his contract at Anfield, which will bring his stay at the club just short of ten years, but he could leave sooner.Recent reports have linked Van Dijk with a move to European rivals AC Milan, with the Italian club keen on a deal to land the Netherlands international this summer. While the move has been described as difficult from a Milan perspective, there is no guarantee that the veteran defender will stay with Liverpool.So, with that said, Liverpool.com has taken a look at five options the Reds could consider to replace Van Dijk in the current transfer window.Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)Liverpool has been linked with a move for Nico Schlotterbeck, and for good reason, as the defender has shown plenty of quality with more to come from him in his career.The 26-year-old has impressed during his time with Borussia Dortmund, possessing plenty of defensive class, but an ability to build out from the back with his passing.TOPSHOT - Germany's defender #15 Nico Schlotterbeck celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group E football match between Germany and Curacao at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June 14, 2026.

(Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)There may be some concerns over the possible price of a deal, as well as an injury the Germany international picked up during the World Cup that will keep him out until September.However, Schlotterbeck is a quality long-term option to potentially replace a huge figure in the shape of Van Dijk.Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig)RB Leipzig needs to sell players this summer, and Castello Lukeba is among the players who have been linked with a potential exit from the club.Lukeba may be an easier player to sign from Leipzig(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)At just 23, the center-back has plenty of experience as well as potential for the future, possessing pace and power that can stop even some of the best forwards.There is still some experience needed to take him to the next level, but Lukeba may be a bargain buy for Liverpool as a long-term option at the back.Maxence Lacroix of France at the World Cup(Image: Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)Liverpool has already hijacked one deal this summer, beating Newcastle to the signing of Victor Munoz, and should do so again to land Maxence Lacroix.The Crystal Palace defender has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, but he would be perfect for the Reds. The Frenchman has plenty of pace, as well as Premier League experience to go with it.The 26-year-old is already a leader, setting standards at Selhurst Park, and could quickly move into a leadership role at Liverpool with a move to the north-east.Jarell Quansah is part of England's World Cup squad(Image: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)It was only last year that Liverpool sold Jarell Quansah, but the defender could be in line with a return, thanks to a buy-back clause in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen.As a young, homegrown player, there is a clear incentive from a squad perspective to have him involved, while he has shown plenty of potential to grow further than where he is currently.It's claimed that Quansah has already agreed terms of a new contract, should he return this summer, and could slot straight back into a club he knows well from spending plenty of time there.Micky van de Ven has been linked with a transfer switch to Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images))Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)While an exit from Tottenham now looks unlikely, Liverpool has previously been rumored with interest in defender Micky van de Ven.The Netherlands international has raw pace, coming in as one of the quickest defenders in the Premier League, as well as plenty of experience in the division.At 25, there are still some of his best years ahead, while he may be able to fill a leadership void that would be left behind by Van Dijk's exit.