Virgil van Dijk Next Club Odds: Real Madrid Head Market For The Dutchman

Virgil van Dijk has cast doubt on his Liverpool future and the best betting sites have opened a market on where he might move to next.

After Jurgen Klopp revealed on Friday that he will bid farewell to Anfield at the end of the season, Van Dijk revealed that he too could seek pastures new in the summer.

“That’s a big question - I don’t know,” the club captain said when asked if he saw himself as being part of the post-Klopp era.

“The club will have a big job on their hands. That is well known. To replace the manager and replace not only the manager, the staff is leaving, and there are so many things that will change. 

“So the club has a big job on its hands and I am very curious which direction that will go in. But when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can't say much about it.”

Where might Van Dijk end up if he does join a new club at the end of the campaign? Let’s dig into the odds and analyse the contenders for his signature.

La Liga Duo The Early Favourites To Land Dutchman

Real Madrid at 5/6 and Barcelona at 2/1 have emerged as the early frontrunners to land Van Dijk, whose contract at Anfield is due to expire in 18 months’ time.

With that in mind, it could be argued that a sale this summer would not be a terrible outcome for Liverpool. 

Van Dijk remains an elite centre-half, but he cannot go on forever. 

The Dutchman turns 33 later this year, so he is nearer the end of his career than the start.

However, should he depart Liverpool would no doubt prefer to see Van Dijk move abroad. 

That is why Madrid and Barcelona are the favourites at this stage. 

The defensive units of both teams would be improved by the addition of the former Southampton stopper.

A move to either team would also offer Van Dijk the new challenge that he might be craving after more than six years on Merseyside.

Chelsea And PSG Would Love To Add Van Dijk To Backlines

Chelsea have made a conscious move towards youth over the last year and a half, with Todd Boehly looking to sign up-and-coming starlets before tying them down to long contracts. 

The Blues now have the youngest squad in the Premier League, but that has resulted in some inconsistent performances this season.

With Thiago Silva approaching the end of his career, the experienced Van Dijk would be a fantastic addition to help balance out the squad. 

Chelsea can be backed at 5/2 with football betting sites to sign the Netherlands international.

Paris Saint-Germain (3/1) might also be interested according to some new betting sites. 

The French giants are still waiting for their first Champions League triumph, and a player of Van Dijk’s proven quality would no doubt aid their pursuit of that elusive prize. 

Ligue 1 is a step down from the Premier League in terms of intensity, but that might actually suit the 32-year-old at this stage.

Newcastle And Juventus Among Outsiders At This Early Stage

Newcastle United are enduring a difficult campaign after a top-four finish last time out. 

Eddie Howe’s side are likely to miss out on the Champions League, especially as they are unable to splash the cash this month due to Financial Fair Play constraints.

Newcastle (4/1) will be active in the summer market, though, and a statement signing like Van Dijk would make everyone sit up and take notice. 

The main doubt is whether the defender would be willing to join a club that is still a work in progress, rather than one ready to win right away.

Juventus have provided a home to numerous world-class centre-backs down the years and they would likely love to add Van Dijk to that list. 

The Bianconeri are listed at 7/1 by betting apps, as are their Italian rivals AC Milan.

Return To The Netherlands Or Celtic Among The Left-Field Options

Van Dijk will feel he still has plenty to offer at the highest level of the game - and his performances this season back him up. 

It is therefore hard to see him returning to the Netherlands, although Ajax are given a 10/1 shot of securing his services.

A second spell at Celtic, available at 18/1, is even more unlikely so probably not a good choice to use your free bets on. 

That will not stop Hoops fans dreaming of Van Dijk returning to Glasgow, though.