Liverpool's Next Generation: Jacquet and Leoni Poised to Succeed Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his contract with Liverpool, set to become a free agent in the summer of 2027. The question of who will fill the void left by the Dutch defender has been on many minds. Former Reds defender Stephen Warnock shared with GOAL that the club might already have potential successors ready to step up.

Van Dijk’s Impact and Contract Situation

After nearly a decade at Anfield, Van Dijk’s departure will leave a significant gap. The 35-year-old has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent successes, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League win. His influence goes beyond trophies, having also come close to winning the Ballon d’Or. Before he leaves, Van Dijk is expected to surpass 400 appearances for the club.

Rising Stars: Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni

Jeremy Jacquet, who joined from Rennes for £55 million ($74 million), has adapted quickly to Liverpool’s system. Alongside him, 19-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni earned high praise in Serie A before suffering an ACL injury during his Liverpool debut in a Carabao Cup match against Southampton. He has been sidelined for almost a year but remains highly rated.

Succession Plans and Challenges Ahead

"Possibly. I think the hard thing is trying to replace, obviously, a player of Van Dijk’s stature," said Warnock. "The signs were promising from Leoni, even after one game, and Jacquet is on the right trajectory. But there are many factors like injuries, form, and pressure that will affect their progress."

Warnock emphasized the learning curve young centre-backs face, especially when stepping into big roles. Reading the game better and positioning wisely are skills developed over time, often peaking around the ages of 26 or 27. He also pointed out how Van Dijk and Alisson formed the last puzzle pieces in a strong Liverpool team, contrasting it with the current transitional phase the club is undergoing.

Current Season Outlook and Next Fixtures

Jacquet has yet to record a clean sheet in competitive matches for Liverpool, as the team has drawn 2-2 against both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in the opening 2026-27 fixtures. Liverpool will aim to secure their first win of the season when they face newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday.

• Fixture: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
• Date: 4 September 2026
• Kick-off: 21:00