Virgil van Dijk has dropped three big hints over which club he'd want to join if he leaves Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk has dropped three hints as to who he would want to join should he leave Liverpool.

Speculation has mounted surrounding the Dutch international's future after Jurgen Klopp announced he is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Van Dijk was signed by Klopp in 2018 and was integral to the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2019 and the club’s first Premier League title in 30 years the following season.

When asked by the Times whether he could see himself being part of a post-Klopp era at Liverpool, Van Dijk, who has 18 months remaining on his current deal, said: "That's a big question. I don't know.

"The club will have a big job on their hands, that is well known.

"To replace not only the manager but the whole staff and there are so many things that will change.

"I'm very curious which direction that will go in, but when that will be announced we will see our situation."

Should the Netherlands international leave Liverpool he has hinted several times in the past that his ideal destination would be La Liga giants.

In 2022, the talismanic centre-back named the Nou Camp as his favourite away ground.

Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, he said: "I would say Camp Nou, Barcelona [is my favourite away stadium].

“Obviously, for myself, watching a lot of Barcelona games when I was younger and then being able to play in it [was amazing]. With Celtic the first time, we got beat 6-1, which was tough, but to be able to play there was a big one.

“I really enjoyed playing there. [The pitch is] massive. It's incredible. It's absolutely insane."

The same interview saw Van Dijk name Ronaldinho as his football role model, eluding to the Brazilian’s time at Barca in his praise.

Van Dijk named Ronaldinho as his football idol (Getty)

"It's just the way that he was, especially after the second season that he joined Barcelona," Van Dijk explained. "He was the difference-maker, you know? He was the one that everybody was looking to see, and his goals, his tricks and his flair.

“Obviously, you played against him a couple of times, and at that point, he was the best player in the world. He definitely inspired me in different ways because I'm not a striker, but he influenced who I am today."

Moreover, when asked by FIFPRO in December 2023 about who would feature in his dream five-a-side, Van Dijk named three former Barcelona players - Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.

Topics: Football, Ronaldinho, Virgil Van Dijk, Barcelona, Transfers, Liverpool

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.