Virgil Van Dijk could face an awkward reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo if he joins Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr this summer.
The 32-year-old joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2018 for around £70 million and has gone on to become one of the best defenders in the world.
Van Dijk endured a tough 2022/23 campaign with Liverpool - who missed out on the Champions League - but bounced back in the most recent campaign as his side secured third place and the Carabao Cup across the season.
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The Netherlands international also received a nomination for Premier League Player of the Season after recapturing his finest form at the highest level.
Van Dijk is entering the final year of his current deal at Anfield this summer, with his long-term future under new boss Arne Slot yet to be determined.
Amidst the uncertainty regarding his contract, rumours are now emerging regarding a possible move to the Saudi Pro League with Ronaldo's Al Nassr side.
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According to Marca, Al Nassr want to make Van Dijk the 'highest-paid defender in the world' and have already held talks regarding the move.
Whether or not the deal comes to fruition remains to be seen. However, if Van Dijk was to join Ronaldo in the Middle East, he would face an awkward encounter after previously snubbing the forward when naming the toughest opponents he's faced throughout his career.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Van Dijk revealed the toughest opponents he has faced and chose Manchester City heroes Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero as his picks.
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"I would say Haaland is a very difficult opponent, [he is] very strong, a modern-day striker," he said.
"It's the directness. If you give them an inch then they will punish you.
"It's the same with [Sergio] Aguero. He didn't score many goals against us, but since I played against him when I was at Southampton he was always a handful, he could finish with his left or right, you always had to be at your best.
"I remember one goal he scored against us in 2018/19, he came in front of Dejan Lovren from a cross and finished it so quickly."
Topics: Liverpool, Virgil Van Dijk, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Premier League, Football
Patrick Rowe