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Liverpool have reportedly earmarked Sevilla star Loic Bade as an apt replacement for Reds captain Virgil van Dijk, who is in the final year of his current contract.
Bade, 24, has established himself as an indispensable member for Sevilla over the past season. After arriving on loan from Stade Rennais in January 2023, he helped his club lift the UEFA Europa League trophy.
Since joining Sevilla for around £10 million in the summer of 2023, Bade has made 40 appearances across competitions for his club. The ex-RC Lens star has started 37 games since the start of the 2023-24 term.
Now, according to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are monitoring Bade's development at Sevilla with the intention of signing him next summer. They have identified the Frenchman as a star who could potentially replace their captain in the starting lineup.
Bade, who was linked with VfB Stuttgart and AS Roma earlier this summer, is said to be rated at close to £17 million by Sevilla. The player, who helped France reach the 2024 Paris Olympics final earlier this August, has a contract until June 2029 at Los Nervionenses.
Liverpool star opens up on being captain
Speaking on UNCUT by the Premier League, Reds centre-back Virgil van Dijk was asked to share his thoughts on being named his club's captain in 2023. He replied (h/t liverpoolfc.com):
"Over the years, I've worn the captaincy armband. I was first captain when Jordan Henderson and James Milner were still around. To be wearing the captain's armband was always a special feeling. Leading out the boys was a special feeling whether it was European games or league or cup games."
Van Dijk, who guided his side to EFL Cup glory last term, continued:
"But when I was named the actual captain, that's special. For me personally, to be the captain of Holland and Liverpool, it's what dreams are made of, I think. I would've never thought [about] that when I was younger, which makes it maybe even more beautiful. I'm really blessed."
Van Dijk, who joined the Reds in the winter of 2018, has made 279 appearances in all competitions for his club. He has registered 24 goals and 12 assists for his side, lifting a total of eight trophies along the way.
The 33-year-old will next be in action for Liverpool in their Premier League contest against Chelsea at Anfield this Sunday (October 20).
