Real Madrid has made a decision that's caused quite a bit of controversy. Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the club turned down signing Virgil Van Dijk, even though his contract with Liverpool ends in 2025. This decision hasn't been well received by everyone, especially Xabi Alonso, who had shown interest in the Dutch defender to strengthen the team.
The Offer Madrid Rejected
According to various media reports, Van Dijk's agent approached Real Madrid to offer the center-back as a free agent. The player, who is in great shape, seemed like an attractive option for Madrid, which is looking to reinforce its defense.
However, the club rejected the proposal. Despite Van Dijk's quality, the management didn't consider him the best option for the team's future.
Van Dijk's Age is an Obstacle
One of the main reasons for rejecting the offer was Van Dijk's age. At 33 years old, the Dutch center-back doesn't completely fit into Real Madrid's long-term plans.
Although he remains a high-quality player, the club prefers to sign younger players who can guarantee good performance for several years. This stance aligns with Madrid's transfer policy, which seeks a balance between experience and youth.
Confidence in the Current Team
Real Madrid not only rejects Van Dijk because of his age but also because it trusts its current defenders. Players like Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, and David Alaba are on the radar and it is expected that, once they recover from their injuries, they can return to their best level. Madrid believes that, with a solid and well-formed defense, the team can continue competing at a high level.
Although Van Dijk won't be signed, Madrid continues to work on future additions. The club is closely monitoring the transfer market and has young defenders like Castello Lukeba, Micky van de Ven, and Josko Gvardiol in mind.
However, these players come with a high price tag, so Madrid might wait to bring them in the near future. Despite the high costs, the club is willing to strengthen its defense with young prospects.
Xabi Alonso and His Disappointment
Former Real Madrid player and current coach Xabi Alonso had expressed his interest in signing Van Dijk for the white club. Alonso sees the Dutch defender as an ideal leader for Madrid's defense.
The coach believes that Van Dijk's experience and quality would be a great asset to the team. However, the decision not to sign him has caused disappointment for Alonso, who had advocated for his addition.