Fotomaç reported this week that Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk wants a world-class centre-back as a priority signing and that Van Dijk has emerged as the leading name in his thinking. The outlet states Van Dijk is considering his options and has been open about an admiration for the club following Liverpool's Champions League encounters with Galatasaray this season.
Van Dijk, 34, turns 35 this summer and is contracted to Liverpool until June 2027. He signed a new two-year deal at Anfield in April 2025 — an extension he greeted with unambiguous public enthusiasm at the time.
"It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool. There wasn't any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I'm one of Liverpool."
Those words, however, were spoken before a season that has left Liverpool fourth in the Premier League, trophyless and heading into a summer of significant upheaval. Mohamed Salah is leaving. Andy Robertson is out of contract. Ibrahima Konaté's future remains unresolved. The scale of change at Anfield this summer opens questions about whether Van Dijk, entering the final stretch of his career, sees the rebuild through or seeks one final major contract elsewhere.
Galatasaray have form for this kind of pursuit, having landed Victor Osimhen from Napoli in a deal that reset expectations for what a Turkish club can offer financially. Özbek views Van Dijk as a dream signing in the same mould and is prepared to offer a significant financial package to make it happen.
Fotomaç reports that Van Dijk was struck by the atmosphere at RAMS Park during Liverpool's visits and that Galatasaray intend to use that impression as a foundation when formal contact is made. Özbek will be involved directly in those discussions rather than delegating to sporting staff.
Whether Liverpool would sanction a departure a year before his contract expires is a separate question. At 34, with a younger defensive generation coming through, the club may prefer to sell now and reinvest rather than lose him for nothing in twelve months.