Liverpool may already be preparing for life after Virgil van Dijk, with reports claiming the Reds have entered the bidding for Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch.
For me, this is a transfer story worth watching closely because it comes at a potentially significant moment for Liverpool. Van Dijk remains one of the most important players in the squad, but his current contract situation means the club have to start thinking seriously about what happens when their captain eventually leaves.
Liverpool have made a strong start to the campaign despite some inconsistent performances. They have suffered just one defeat in all competitions, with the 3-0 loss to Manchester City currently the biggest blemish on their record.
The Reds have not always produced convincing football, but their recent 2-0 victory over Brighton was much closer to the level I would expect from them.
While attention naturally remains on results, Liverpool’s recruitment plans could ultimately prove just as important.
The club are already expected to make significant moves in the summer transfer window, particularly in midfield, where money has reportedly been set aside for another addition amid uncertainty surrounding Alexis Mac Allister’s future.
But I believe centre-back could become an even bigger priority.
VAN DIJK’S CONTRACT SITUATION CHANGES THE PICTURE
Van Dijk is currently approaching the final months of his Liverpool contract, with his deal set to expire at the end of the season unless a new agreement is reached.
That uncertainty has become increasingly important because Joe Gomez is also reportedly approaching the end of his contract.
Recent reports have claimed that both Van Dijk and Gomez are currently on course to leave Liverpool next June, with talks over new deals yet to begin.
If that situation remains unchanged, Liverpool could potentially lose two experienced defenders at the same time.
That would leave the club with a major rebuilding job.
I don’t think Liverpool can afford to wait until the summer before deciding what they want to do. Finding a replacement for Van Dijk is not something that can be solved overnight.
The Dutchman has been one of the defining figures of Liverpool’s modern era. He has been a defensive leader, a captain and one of the most reliable players in the squad.
Replacing that influence will require careful planning.
And that could explain Liverpool’s reported interest in Jeltsch.
LIVERPOOL JOIN THE RACE FOR JELTSCH
According to reports from Sport, Liverpool are positioning themselves to sign Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch.
The Reds are not alone in their interest, with Barcelona also reportedly keen on the young centre-back.
Previous reports have suggested Liverpool could be willing to pay around €50 million for Jeltsch.
However, Sport now claims Stuttgart have raised their asking price to approximately €60 million.
That would represent a significant investment, particularly for a young defender, but it also highlights the level of competition Liverpool could face.
For me, the most interesting aspect is not simply that Liverpool like Jeltsch.
It is the timing.
Liverpool are reportedly looking at him while Van Dijk’s future remains uncertain.
That makes it difficult not to view Jeltsch as part of a wider succession plan.
Liverpool may not expect him to arrive and immediately become Van Dijk’s replacement. Instead, they could be looking to bring in a player with the potential to develop into a long-term defensive leader.
BARCELONA COULD COMPLICATE LIVERPOOL’S PLANS
Barcelona’s interest adds another fascinating element to the story.
The Spanish club are reportedly monitoring Jeltsch closely, meaning Liverpool could face competition for his signature.
There is also a connection involving Ronald Araujo, who is currently on loan at Liverpool.
According to the report, Araujo has a €55 million release clause, potentially creating an interesting decision for Liverpool if they become convinced that the Uruguay international should remain permanently.
That could put Liverpool in a position where they have to weigh up their options carefully.
Do they pursue Araujo permanently?
Do they prioritise Jeltsch as a younger long-term defensive option?
Or could they potentially consider both?
Those questions may become clearer as the season progresses.
LIVERPOOL MUST PLAN BEYOND VAN DIJK
I think the biggest mistake Liverpool could make would be to treat Van Dijk’s eventual departure as a problem for next summer alone.
The club need to plan now.
Even if the captain eventually signs a new contract, Liverpool still need to think about the future of their defence. Van Dijk is not going to be at the heart of the team forever, and the club must identify the players capable of taking over when that moment arrives.
Jeltsch could potentially be one of those players.
However, I would be careful about comparing him directly with Van Dijk.
Replacing an established Premier League and Champions League winner is an enormous challenge.
Jeltsch would need time to adapt, develop and establish himself at the highest level.
But that is precisely why signing him early could make sense.
Liverpool could allow him to develop alongside experienced defenders rather than throwing him straight into the responsibility of replacing their captain.
HESKEY PROVIDES AN INTERESTING VAN DIJK VIEW
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has also discussed Van Dijk’s position within the team.
Heskey acknowledged that dropping an iconic player and talisman is always difficult for a manager, but argued that experienced players should understand that decisions are ultimately about giving the team the best opportunity to win.
I think that is an important point.
Van Dijk’s status at Liverpool is enormous, but the club must eventually move beyond relying on reputation.
The good news for Liverpool is that they already have other centre-back options performing well, meaning they do not necessarily have to rush the transition.
That could give them the luxury of planning properly.
JELTSCH COULD BE THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT ERA
Ultimately, I think the Jeltsch story is much bigger than one transfer target.
Liverpool are potentially approaching the end of an era.
Van Dijk has been central to the club’s success for years, and losing him would represent a major change at Anfield.
If Gomez also leaves next summer, the defensive department could look considerably different.
That is why Liverpool’s reported decision to enter the race for Jeltsch makes sense.
The Reds appear to be looking ahead rather than waiting for the problem to arrive.
Whether they are prepared to meet Stuttgart’s reported €60 million valuation remains to be seen.
But if Liverpool genuinely believe Jeltsch can become a long-term leader at the back, they may have to act before his price — and the competition for his signature — increases further.
For now, Van Dijk remains Liverpool’s captain.
But if his contract situation continues without a breakthrough, the Reds may already be preparing for the day their skipper walks away.
And Finn Jeltsch could be one of the players Liverpool believe can help lead them into the next era.
