La Liga club slap €20m price tag on 24-year-old star amidst Liverpool interest: Reports 

Liverpool could reportedly have to shell out €20 million to prise out Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade amidst the uncertain future of captain Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman is out of contract at the end of the season but hasn't signed an extension yet.

Van Dijk, 33, has been a solid performer for the Reds at the heart of their defence since arriving from Southampton in January 2018. In 279 games across competitions, he has contributed 24 goals and 12 assists and won every possible trophy except the UEFA Europa League.

However, with the Dutchman's deal running out in less than a year, the Reds are seemingly preparing for life without their inspirational captain. As per Mundo Deportivo (via Caught Offside), the Premier League leaders have set their sights on Bade.

The 24-year-old Frenchman has been at Sevilla since January 2023, initially on loan from Stade Rennais, before the La Liga side made the move permanent in the summer.

In 67 appearances across competitions, Bade has bagged two goals and an assist. The 2022-23 UEFA Europa League winner has played seven times this campaign but is yet to register a goal contribution.

With Bade's Sevilla deal expiring in 2029, €20 million appears to be a bargain for the Reds, as the Frenchman could be a fine replacement for the ageing Van Dijk, who might be playing his last season at Anfield.

---

What's next for Liverpool?

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot

Liverpool have had a superb start to the season under new boss Arne Slot, who replaced the legendary Jurgen Klopp this summer. The Reds are atop the Premier League after seven games, winning six, leading second-placed Manchester City (17) by a point.

Since winning their first three league games without conceding, Slot's side lost 1-0 at home to Nottingham Forest but have since won their next three outings, scoring six times and conceding once.

The Reds have also had a good start to their European campaign, winning 3-1 at AC Milan in their UEFA Champions League opener before beating Bologna 2-0 at home.

In the EFL Cup as well, the Reds have made a rousing start, thumping West Ham United 5-1 at home. Following the ongoing international break, the Reds return to action in the Premier League, where they host Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday (October 20). They then travel to RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League three days later.