Revealed: Why Van Dijk waited for Real Madrid before renewing Liverpool contract

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Virgil van Dijk transfer Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool future was hanging by a thread earlier this year — and, as it turns out, Real Madrid were the reason for the delay. According to reports in Spain, the Dutch captain’s representatives made contact with Madrid before he agreed to extend his stay at Anfield.

ALSO READ: Xabi Alonso delivers verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of Anfield return A transfer dream that never took off for Virgil van Dijk Spanish outlet AS claims Van Dijk’s camp offered his services to Real Madrid, but the club decided not to pursue a deal. Van Dijk had other suitors too, including a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, but his heart was set on Madrid.

ALSO READ: Roberto Firmino makes bold Jurgen Klopp prediction amid Liverpool return talk A red heart, not a white shirt Van Dijk’s decision to stay gave Liverpool a huge boost amid a challenging season. As for Van Dijk, he may have dreamed of white, but it seems his football story will stay painted in Liverpool red — where he’s still the calm in the storm and the captain the Kop looks to for belief.