A potential replacement name for Virgil van Dijk emerges

Liverpool is reportedly targeting young center-back Cesar Tarrega from Valencia as Virgil van Dijk’s successor.

Liverpool is entering a squad transition phase, and one of the club’s biggest concerns is the future of Virgil van Dijk, once considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League. The Dutchman remains a key pillar and leader of the defense, but age and physical decline have forced the club’s management to consider a long-term replacement plan.

According to Fichajes, Liverpool has identified a promising candidate in La Liga: 21-year-old center-back Cesar Tarrega from Valencia. Tarrega is regarded as one of the biggest discoveries of the past season, quickly securing a spot in the first team after a short period with the reserves. With solid play, sharp game reading, and a rare composure for his age, the Spanish player has become an indispensable mainstay at Mestalla.

For coach Arne Slot, recruiting a defender like Tarrega is a strategic move. Liverpool aims to build a defense blending experience with youth. While Van Dijk still holds influence, Tarrega’s arrival is seen as an ideal choice: he can learn from the veteran while being ready to take on the leadership role in the near future.

However, the path to bring Tarrega to Anfield is far from simple. Valencia fully recognizes the young talent’s value and has quickly extended his contract, setting a transfer fee no less than 50 million euros. This is a significant sum for a young player, but given the current market context, many experts believe it is a reasonable investment for a promising center-back with potential for a long-term commitment.

Liverpool is not the only club interested in Tarrega. Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are closely monitoring his development. Nevertheless, The Kop appear the most determined, viewing Tarrega as a crucial piece in their defensive rebuilding plan.

The remaining question is whether Liverpool is willing to spend heavily to outbid other top clubs. With strong financial resources and ambitions to return to Europe’s summit, the Merseyside club is fully capable of completing this deal.

Valencia fans are naturally concerned about the risk of losing their emerging star. Although the club has placed great trust and provided many opportunities to Tarrega, resisting the lure of the Premier League and Liverpool’s ample finances will be difficult.

As Van Dijk gradually approaches the twilight of his peak career, finding a worthy “successor” is essential for Liverpool. And César Tárrega, with his proven talent in La Liga, could be the name to usher in a new era for the defense at Anfield.