International manager says centre-back Liverpool once failed to sign is now the 'new Van Dijk'

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Liverpool will need to replace Virgil van Dijk in the coming years, and previously came so close to doing so.The Dutchman is out of contract in 2027, and barring Ibrahima Konate, the Reds currently lack any other experienced, quality centre-backs.That would not have been the case had Liverpool managed to get a deal for Willian Pacho over the line, though. Which players should Liverpool target to replace Mohamed Salah this summer? 🤔 A seven-man shortlist has already been reported:Desire Doue Bradley Barcola Nico Williams Yan Diomande Anthony Gordon Jarrod Bowen Michael OliseCredit: Izzy Poles/AMA/Getty Images Willian Pacho now called the new Virgil van DijkBack in 2024, the now PSG centre-back was honing his craft in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.He secured a move to the French capital that summer, but it was revealed at the time that Liverpool made a late move to sign Pacho before he completed his move to the Ligue 1 powerhouse.The 24-year-old has since firmly cemented himself at the heart of PSG’s backline, making 92 appearances and playing a key role in their Champions League success last term.He remains a key figure and is expected to be involved once again when Liverpool take on the French side in the quarter-finals of the competition next month.Ahead of European action returning, the March international break is now upon us, and Pacho has linked up with Ecuador.Ahead of their break getting underway, manager Sebastian Beccacece has heaped praise on the former Liverpool target.As per AS, he said: “For me, he is the new Van Dijk, as he is the center-back of the present and the future.”Liverpool like multiple PSG playersWhile a move for Pacho seems to have slipped by Liverpool now, they are thought to be interested in a number of PSG’s current stars.Mohamed Salah is leaving Anfield in the summer, which will see a big gap in the attack needing to be plugged.On that front, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue were named on a seven-man shortlist of potential Salah replacements.A further report then said that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is appreciated by Liverpool.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox