Virgil van Dijk transfer lined up as club chiefs 'gutted' at missed Liverpool opportunity
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SportFootballLiverpool transfer newsAn unexpected club has reportedly been planning a move for Liverpool's Virgil van DijkChicago Fire chiefs were said to be bitterly disappointed by Virgil van Dijk's absence from Liverpool's pre-season tour of America. The MLS club are reportedly lining up a transfer for the defender next summer and were keen to sell themselves to the Reds defender.The third and final stop of Liverpool's US tour this summer saw them face Leeds United in Chicago, Illinois, where they lost 4-2 on Sunday.
Andoni Iraola's side played the match at Soldier Field, the home ground of Chicago Fire, having also used the MLS outfit's performance centre for training sessions.However, club captain Van Dijk was a notable absentee throughout the entire trip to the States. This was due to Liverpool granting him an extended summer break following his involvement 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 said to have left Chicago Fire staff "gutted".
Liverpool refused to entertain bids for their legendary defender this summer, even at the risk of losing him for nothing next year, due to how crucial his leadership and experience remains to Iraola.It is unclear whether Van Dijk will be offered a new contract during the upcoming season by the Reds hierarchy. According to La Gazetta dello Sport, after recognising a transfer would be impossible this summer, clubs such as AC Milan are already planning to sign the centre-back as a free agent in 12 months' time.Van Dijk has been working at the AXA Training Centre since last week, with Liverpool's main squad reuniting with him and Cody Gakpo following their Merseyside return after the end of their US tour.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Chicago FireLiverpool FCVirgil van DijkSummer transfer windowMajor League SoccerLiverpool transfer news