Liverpool Advised on Sven Botman as Ideal Successor to Virgil van Dijk
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman has been identified as a strong long-term replacement for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, according to former defender José Fonte.
Van Dijk, a key figure at Anfield since his arrival from Southampton in 2018, has won both the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds. However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Liverpool may need to consider a future without their defensive leader.
Fonte believes that Botman, known for his composure, physicality, and decision-making, possesses the qualities needed to fill Van Dijk’s shoes. The Dutch centre-back has impressed at Newcastle and could be the ideal left-footed defender to lead Liverpool’s backline in the coming years.
Additionally, speculation around Van Dijk’s future continues, with European giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich potentially interested if he does not extend his contract at Liverpool.