MLS team left 'gutted' after being unable to pitch Virgil van Dijk transfer
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Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsVirgil Van DijkVirgil van Dijk was not part of Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, and his reported absence left Chicago Fire's hierarchy 'gutted' as they missed their chance to make an unofficial transfer pitch to the DutchmanVirgil van Dijk is back in training with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Virgil van Dijk's absence from Liverpool's pre-season tour of America left Chicago Fire officials deeply disappointed — given that the MLS club have their sights set on securing his signature next summer.The third and final stop of Liverpool's US tour this summer saw them face Leeds United in Chicago, Illinois, where the Reds suffered a 4-2 defeat on Sunday.Andoni Iraola's side contested the fixture at Soldier Field, the home ground of Chicago Fire, having also utilised the MLS outfit's performance centre for training. However, club skipper Van Dijk was a conspicuous absentee throughout the entire trip to the States.The reason for his omission was that Liverpool granted the defender an extended summer break following his participation with the Netherlands at the World Cup, meaning he was excused from joining the rest of the squad on tour.Yet the 35-year-old's non-appearance is reported to have left Chicago Fire staff crestfallen.
The Mail reveals that the Fire have identified Van Dijk as a prime transfer target for the future.His existing contract expires next summer, and from January he will be entitled to agree a pre-contract with clubs outside of England, with a view to joining as a free agent at the conclusion of the season.The American club had been hoping to make an informal approach to the Dutchman by showcasing their cutting-edge facilities, which were also utilised by Germany during the World Cup.All of this was an effort to demonstrate to the Reds captain why the United States could be an attractive destination, with the club having recently secured Robert Lewandowski on a two-year deal.Liverpool players train in the USA(Image: Getty )Van Dijk is currently earning $470,000 (£350,000) per week on a contract he signed just over a year ago. Liverpool flatly refused to entertain offers for their iconic defender this summer, even at the risk of potentially losing him on a free transfer next year, such is the value of his leadership and experience to Iraola's inexperienced backline.It remains unclear whether the Reds' hierarchy will offer Van Dijk fresh terms at any point during the forthcoming season.According to La Gazetta dello Sport, having accepted that a deal was out of reach this summer, clubs such as AC Milan are already positioning themselves to snap up the centre-back as a free agent in twelve months' time.Van Dijk has been putting in the work at the AXA Training Centre since last week, with Liverpool's first-team squad reuniting with him and Cody Gakpo following their return to Merseyside earlier this week, after wrapping up their pre-season tour of the United States.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Virgil Van DijkLiverpool FC