Andoni Iraola puts four top stars on list to replace Virgil van Dijk

Andoni Iraola puts four top stars on list to replace Virgil van Dijk Liverpool are set for a big shakeup at the end of the current season. By summer 2027 we could be waving goodbye to both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. The defensive duos contracts expire at the end of the 2026/27 campaign and it’s been relatively quiet so far over possible renewals. Liverpool require Van Dijk successor Van Dijk, 35, would of course be the biggest loss. The Dutchman is a defensive colossus although he is beginning to show signs of slowing down this term. Gomez is a useful squad player - being deployed across the backline by Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot before Andoni Iraola took over. Should those two leave then there will be a need to sign an experienced defender to go alongside Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and others. Four centre-backs on the list Although Iraola and Julian Ward are building a new generation of top defensive stars the 2024/25 Premier League champions may well be left a little short of experience. And now a report in Football Insider is claiming that FOUR senior options are now on Iraola’s shortlist for when Van Dijk and Gomez exit. “[Nico] Schlotterbeck is one of four players on the Reds' shortlist at centre-back as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez edge towards the end of their contracts next summer,” the report reads. “Nottingham Forest star Murillo is also admired by Liverpool chiefs, as are Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona's Jules Kounde.” LFC looking at Schlotterbeck, Murillo, Bastoni and Kounde Schlotterbeck recently renewed his Borussia Dortmund contract but that won’t prevent transfer interest in the 26-year-old German international. Murillo meanwhile is a long-term target who looks ready to take the next step in his promising Premier League career. Bastoni has been consistently linked over the past couple of seasons and could finally be set to depart Inter Milan for pastures new. And rounding out the list is Jules Kounde - who cannot nail down a regular starting berth at Barcelona any longer and may be ready to follow Ronald Araujo to Anfield.