Sometimes there’s truth to potential transfers—some in-the-know agent or club tells a journalist about some behind the scenes activity—and other times it’s just some wanker calling themselves a journalist, blindly throwing darts at a board with player names and clubs.
Yesterday, we reported on a rumor that seems to fall squarely in the latter category of transfer rumor. The rumor was that Liverpool were open to accepting bids for Virgil van Dijk, with AC Milan and Fenerbahce bravely volunteering as tributes to have the best defender of our generation play for their clubs.
Today, The Liverpool Echo shot down these rumors, citing sources close to the club.
Considering the turmoil and turnover at the club, with departing club legends like Mo Salah and Andy Robbo, as well as starting defender Ibou Konate, and incoming of new boss Andoni Iraola, Liverpool would be taking a big risk to let their captain go.
Not only was Van Dijk one of the best defenders in Europe again, but he also played every single minute of league action last year. Unfortunately, every other defender at the club suffered injuries during the last campaign. That ability to stay healthy and available is not so easy to replace.
Plus, you know, he’s as calm as you’d like. And he reportedly smells good.