Real Madrid have ruled out any possibility of signing Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk on a free transfer this summer, according to Real Madrid Confidencial.
Despite the defender’s pedigree and his contract expiring at the end of the season, the Spanish giants have made it abundantly clear to his agent that they are simply not interested.
Van Dijk, widely regarded as one of the finest centre-backs of the Premier League era, was offered to Los Blancos in recent weeks.
However, the response from the club was immediate and unequivocal: “He’s not what we’re looking for.”
Real Madrid have different plans
At 33, Van Dijk is approaching the twilight of his career, and there is growing concern that his best years are firmly behind him.
While the Dutchman remains a commanding presence in the Liverpool backline, his form has visibly dipped in recent seasons following injuries and the natural physical decline that comes with age.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are building a long-term project rooted in youth, athleticism, and sustainability.
In recent years, Florentino Perez and his team have opted for rising stars, and the club is clearly planning for the future. This is why signing an ageing centre-back—even on a free—does not align with their current vision.
Dean Huijsen is their pick
While Van Dijk’s availability without a transfer fee could be seen as an opportunity for clubs seeking experienced leadership at the back, Real Madrid are prioritising players like Dean Huijsen, who offer long-term potential and adaptability.
The club has also invested significantly in the development of Castilla talents and other loaned-out prospects, reinforcing their trust in internal progression.
Sources close to the board have reiterated that Madrid’s strategic direction is already firmly established, and no short-term decision will derail it.
Even if Van Dijk once seemed like a dream acquisition, the club’s leadership believes that time has passed. There is no desire to revert to signings that represent past glories rather than future success.
