Who would make a suitable Virgil van Dijk replacement? That is one question that will be in the back of the mind of all Liverpool supporters.
Providing the answer to that is certainly no easy task. Especially when you consider how colossal the Dutchman has been for the Reds since he joined the club in 2018.
First and foremost, the towering centre-back may yet sign new terms at Anfield. Much has been made of his future as he enters the last six months of his current deal.
However, the Merseysiders must prepare for the worst. Recent reports suggest he has been offered improved terms but until he commits, doubts will still linger.
With that in mind it got us thinking, which Premier League stars could potentially fill the void? Naturally, the Reds will be scouting talent from across the continent and beyond.
Nonetheless, we wanted to focus solely on ready-made top-flight defenders. The idea is to look at how realistic the candidates are, speculate on the potential transfer fee and determine if their current club would actually do business with the Reds.
So, without further ado, here’s our five potential Virgil van Dijk replacements who could be plying their trade for Arne Slot’s side next season.
Virgil Van Dijk Replacement: Five Premier League Stars Who Could Fill The Void
Marc Guehi – Crystal Palace
Perhaps the most obvious and convincing Virgil van Dijk replacement comes in the shape of Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi.
The 24-year-old may not be as tall and menacing as Van Dijk but he does offer an array of similar attributes. Guehi’s strength, composure, agility, stamina and leadership qualities make him a fine candidate.
However, Guehi would not come cheap. Owing to his age, experience and pedigree on the international stage, Palace would likely ask for £70 million or more.
In the summer, the south Londoners came close to losing their star defender to Newcastle United but a fee could not be agreed.
Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the Reds would be able to enter into stress-free negotiations. But only if Palace’s demands are met. The player himself would surely jump at the chance to test himself at Anfield, too.
2023/24 Premier League Stats 25 Tackles Tackle Success % 68% 18 Clearances 29 Passes-Per-Match 87.2% Duels Won 4 Overall Rating 6.55
Virgil van Dijk
Marc Guehi
Appearances
36
40
28
57%
Interceptions
39
142
88
Aerial Battles Won
140
79.78
51.96
Pass Success %
91.5%
195
90
Clean Sheets
9
7.15
Sourced from the Premier League and Whoscored
Sven Botman – Newcastle United
Before suffering an ACL injury against Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup, Sven Botman was beginning to make a name for himself in the North East.
The Newcastle United defender is set to return in a couple of weeks and it’ll be interesting to see if he can replicate his early St James’ Park form.
Standing at 6’4″, Botman has the physical presence required to mix it with the very best. The Dutchman has the potential to make a fine Virgil van Dijk replacement at Liverpool.
However, he must prove he is over his injury problems and can go on to reach the levels which are expected of him. If Botman does, the Reds would certainly provide the perfect opportunity for the former Lille star to further his career.
The Magpies would likely consider offers around the £60 million mark. And with PSR rules constraining the Geordies transfer activity, flogging top talent could be the new norm.
2023/24 Premier League Stats 17 Tackles 65% Interceptions 58 Aerial Battles Won 59.71 Pass Success % 56 Clean Sheets 6.58
Virgil van Dijk
Sven Botman
Appearances
36
40
20
Tackle Success %
57%
39
9
Clearances
142
140
34
Passes-Per-Match
79.78
91.5%
90.5%
Duels Won
195
9
3
Overall Rating
7.15
Sourced from the Premier League and Whoscored
Illia Zabarnyi – Bournemouth
After starring for Bournemouth this season, Illia Zabarnyi is reportedly on Chelsea’s and Tottenham’s radar. It is understood a bid of £50 million will see the Cherries enter into negotiations.
The Ukraine international could be available in the upcoming January transfer window. From Liverpool’s perspective, they’d likely have no problem swooping in if Van Dijk commits his future away from Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side would certainly benefit if Zabarnyi was to make the move to Merseyside. The 22-year-old already has an abundance of Premier League experience. He also has 45 international caps to his name.
If the Reds came calling, Zabarnyi would likely have no reservations about joining the six-times European Cup winners.
Zabarnyi has proven hugely popular at the Vitality Stadium and he certainly has the skills and attributes required to go to the very top. He really would make a fine Virgil van Dijk replacement.
2023/24 Premier League Stats Illia Zabarnyi 37 Tackles 54% Interceptions 138 Aerial Battles Won 48.70 Pass Success % 167 Clean Sheets 6.53
Virgil van Dijk
Appearances
36
40
59
Tackle Success %
57%
39
33
Clearances
142
140
77
Passes-Per-Match
79.78
91.5%
81.6%
Duels Won
195
9
8
Overall Rating
7.15
Sourced from the Premier League and Whoscored
Murillo – Nottingham Forest
Another potential star in the making is 22-year-old Brazilian centre-back Murillo. In fact, Liverpool have already been linked with the Nottingham Forest man.
Murillo is a hugely popular presence at the City Ground. The Tricky Trees would likely want north of £70 million to consider selling him to the Reds.
The South American has been one of the stand out figures for Nuno Espirito Santo in 2024/25. In fact, Murrilo already has an impressive Anfield clean sheet to his name from earlier in the season.
If the Merseysiders did come calling, Murillo would have no qualms about joining Arne Slot’s revolution. He certainly has all the skill and potential to go on and earn world class status.
2023/24 Premier League Stats Murillo Appearances 50 Tackle Success % 37 Clearances 38 Passes-Per-Match 77.6% Duels Won 3 Overall Rating 6.69
Virgil van Dijk
36
32
Tackles
40
57%
62%
Interceptions
39
142
185
Aerial Battles Won
140
79.78
45.13
Pass Success %
91.5%
195
115
Clean Sheets
9
7.15
Sourced from the Premier League and Whoscored
Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton
This potential transfer would likely shatter world football but Jarrad Branthwaite is probably the finest player to consider. He really would make the seamless transition as a Virgil van Dijk replacement.
Naturally, that is easier said than done. It would be very unlikely that Everton would want to do business with Liverpool but it can’t be completely ruled out.
Branthwaite is already considered by many as a future VVD. The Toffees star has the height, the composure, the leadership qualities and confidence that Van Dijk portrays.
If we had to hazard a guess at a potential transfer fee, £85 million as a minimum is likely a realistic starting point. Would Branthwaite actually want to go to Anfield? That remains to be seen but the lure of winning trophies would help.
The 22-year-old has been tipped for a move to Manchester United in the future so the Reds certainly wouldn’t be the only interested party if Branthwaite became available.
2023/24 Premier League Stats
Virgil van Dijk
Jarrad Branthwaite
Appearances
36
35
Tackles
40
66
Tackle Success %
57%
48%
Interceptions
39
50
Clearances
142
157
Aerial Battles Won
140
95
Passes-Per-Match
79.78
39.17
Pass Success %
91.5%
80.1%
Duels Won
195
184
Clean Sheets
9
12
Overall Rating
7.15
6.90
Sourced from the Premier League and Whoscored
