John Aldridge expects Virgil van Dijk to leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season, and he believes the club should re-sign Jarell Quansah using a £56m buyback option. Writing in his weekly column, the former Liverpool striker described the move as a “no-brainer” and outlined his preferred centre-back options for next season.
Van Dijk's likely departure and defensive setup
Van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and Aldridge says the club needs his experience but feels this will probably be his last season at Anfield. He noted that Van Dijk has been playing well alongside Jeremy Jacquet, who he considers more manoeuvrable than Ibrahima Konate and a better fit next to the Dutchman.
On the other side, Ronald Araujo has added defensive stability, though he may be limited going forward. Aldridge stressed the importance of a clean sheet against Manchester City, given the potential attacking absentees, and praised how the three defenders have bonded.
Araujo has started well and his experience shows, but there is still a long way to go in the season. Aldridge hopes he avoids injury, noting that the £47m purchase option would become viable if he maintains his form.
Quansah buyback urged
“But you know what I’d do? I’d be looking to bring back Jarell Quansah,” Aldridge wrote. “There’s a £56m buyback option on him and, for me, it’s a no-brainer.” He added that next season, if Van Dijk leaves, Liverpool could have Araujo, Jacquet, Leoni and Quansah as four strong centre-back options.
Arne Slot did not favour Quansah after the first game of the season against Ipswich, but the defender has proved him wrong by doing well at Leverkusen and playing for England. Aldridge noted that Giovanni Leoni is returning from a serious injury and looked good in his early appearances.
“And it's a no-brainer to get Quansah back next year. Absolutely, 100%. 100%, man. As long as he wants to come. He’s a Warrington lad. I hope he’s a Liverpudlian. And if that’s the case, there’s no reason not to go and get him.” He added that Liverpool has the buyback option and should act on it, making the centre-half position really solid next year.
The position has been a question mark since Joel Matip left, and Aldridge admitted he was not a big fan of Konate. He compared the current defensive situation to sowing a seed and seeing roses grow, and reiterated that bringing back Quansah would be a wise move.
If Van Dijk departs, Aldridge also raised the question of the next captain. Dominik Szoboszlai is a contender, but he suggested Araujo, who captained Barcelona, could be an option given his experience.
Wirtz must step up amid striker injuries
Looking ahead to the Manchester City game, Aldridge acknowledged a mixed international break for Andoni Iraola's side, with several Liverpool players performing well. Van Dijk earned his 100th cap and Florian Wirtz captained Germany, but the main concern is injury scares.
He hopes Cody Gakpo or Alexander Isak are fit to lead the line, warning that without one of them, Liverpool could struggle. The atmosphere at Anfield will help, and the crowd will turn up to keep the unbeaten run going, but it could be tough without a recognised striker.
Young Lewis Koumas is liked for what he brings, but a game of that magnitude would be really tough for him. Aldridge suggested Wirtz could play up front, noting that Liverpool has played without a striker against City before and it worked well.
Wirtz has had an okay international break, but he faces pressure from the media and himself. “He's a really good player. And we need him now,” Aldridge wrote, adding that the team needs him to push them to the heights required to fight against Arsenal and others.
The discussion about attacking options shows the situation with the squad, which is not the strongest. Ekitike, Gakpo and Isak are potentially out, and Aldridge is unsure if Munoz, Wirtz, Ngumoha or Barcola can play there. He hopes Isak's thigh issue is just precautionary and that he could be all right.
