Club rejected chance to sign ‘world-class’ defender

Real Madrid turned down the chance to sign Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk on a free transfer earlier this summer. Los Blancos had their eyes firmly fixed elsewhere and went on to sign Spanish central defender Dean Huijsen. 

The Dutch defenders’ entourage was involved in negotiations with the top brass at Santiago Bernabeu. Van Dijk had already turned down several offers that had arrived, including one from the Saudi Pro League, as the centre back preferred a move to the Spanish capital. 

After realising that Los Blancos were not keen on adding him to their roster, van Dijk accepted the contract extension offer from Liverpool. The Dutch international inked a fresh two-year deal at Anfield Stadium. 

Why were Real Madrid not interested?

Spanish publication AS has now revealed that Real Madrid were hesitant in signing Virgil van Dijk from the very beginning. Two things served as major hindrances in the transfer negotiations: Van Dijk’s age and the severe injury he endured in 2020. Los Blancos had compelled the then club captain Sergio Ramos to head for the exit doors at the Santiago Bernabeu at 35 years of age due to a strict ‘club first’ policy at the club. At 34 years of age, it is highly unlikely that Real Madrid would be keen on adding van Dijk to their roster. 

New Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso proceeded to buy Dean Huijsen from Premier League side Bournemouth. Since he arrived in Madrid, Huijsen has impressed the Santiago Bernabeu faithful with spectacular displays in the heart of Madrid’s defence. The Spaniards’ arrival has also pushed David Alaba and Raul Asencio down in the pecking order under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso. 

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Shabby defensive start to the season

Despite Liverpool’s clinical 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League, the Reds have recently grabbed the attention for their poor run of form, which included a string of losses. Arne Slot’s men have also conceded the top spot in the Premier League points standings. Liverpool sits in eighth position, as many as eight points behind leaders Arsenal. The Liverpool defence has behaved sloppily on several occasions and has shipped in 17 goals in the top flight. Their latest poor outing was against Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men shipped three goals past the Liverpool defence and emerged victorious at the Etihad Stadium.