Liverpool are in advanced talks to complete the signing of Sevilla center-back Loic Bade in the winter transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Todificajes.
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk is nearing the end of his contract, which expires next summer, as he awaits a contract renewal. At 33, the Dutchman may not have many years left in his prime and it is only fitting that the club start looking for potential replacements before next summer.
It appears that Liverpool have already taken proactive steps to sign a worthy replacement, as Todifichajes reports that the Merseyside club is well advanced in talks to sign Bade - who could become a Liverpool player in January if all goes as planned.
Although he has been a regular starter for Nervionenses this season, financial complications in the sporting department have plagued the club in recent months, prompting a possible sale of the defender, according to the report.
The Spanish newspaper adds that Sevilla sporting director Victor Orta is already working to find a replacement for the Frenchman, with Liverpool expected to beat Bayern Munich to sign the defender.
Baden to LiverpoolBade still has a contract with Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan which runs until the summer of 2029 and is valued by the Spanish club at €30m (£25m). However, Liverpool are said to have sealed the 24-year-old's move with a fee of €25m (£20m), according to the report.
Liverpool are preparing for the possible departure of Virgil van Dijk if the Dutchman does not sign a contract extension. Although it may be difficult to find a replacement for the Dutchman, finding a defender who is equally strong in duels and effective on the ball would be the ideal move for the Reds to replace their captain.
The club has now named Sevilla's Bade as a suitable replacement, and it is no surprise that the Merseyside club is interested in the Frenchman - who has been a phenomenal defensive presence for club and country. At 24, the former Nottingham Forest loanee has gained considerable experience in the Premier League, having made more than 100 first-team appearances, while playing a central role in Sevilla's Europa League in 2023 and Olympic triumphs in France in 2024.
Bade hopes to form a formidable duo with compatriot Ibrahima Konate if he moves to Anfield.
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