Chicago Fire officials were left disappointed after Virgil van Dijk was absent from Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, as they reportedly hoped to sign him next summer.
The third and final leg of Liverpool's US tour saw them face Leeds United in Chicago, Illinois, where they lost 4-2 on Sunday. The match took place at Soldier Field, home of Chicago Fire, and the squad also trained at the MLS side's performance centre. However, club captain Van Dijk was notably missing from the entire trip.
Extended break and transfer interest
Van Dijk was granted an extended summer break by Liverpool following his campaign with the Netherlands at the World Cup, excusing him from travelling with the squad. But the 35-year-old's absence is said to have left Chicago Fire staff disappointed. According to the Mail, the Fire have identified Van Dijk as a potential future signing.
His current contract expires next summer, and from January he can sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England to join as a free agent at the end of the season. The MLS side had hoped to make an unofficial transfer pitch to the Dutchman by showing him around their state-of-the-art facilities, which were also used by Germany during the World Cup.
Liverpool's stance and future uncertainty
The rest of the Liverpool squad trained at Endeavor Health Performance Center in Chicago, Illinois. The effort was an attempt to show Van Dijk why America could be a destination, with the club having recently signed Robert Lewandowski on a two-year deal.
Van Dijk is currently on a £350,000-a-week contract signed just over a year ago. Liverpool refused to listen to offers for their legendary defender this summer, even at the risk of losing him for free next year, given his importance to Andoni Iraola's youthful backline.
It is uncertain whether Van Dijk will be offered a new contract during the upcoming season. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan are already hoping to sign the centre-back as a free agent in a year's time after realising a deal would be impossible this summer.
Van Dijk has been training at the AXA Training Centre since last week, with Liverpool's main squad joining him and Cody Gakpo after their return from the US tour.
