Galata aiming high — Van Dijk is the first, Rudiger is the second choice to strengthen defence

Galatasaray are preparing for an ambitious summer in the transfer market, and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has reportedly emerged as one of their top targets.

Turkish outlet Haberturk claims the Istanbul giants are eager to lure the experienced Dutch defender to the Super Lig. Although Van Dijk remains under contract with Liverpool until 2027, uncertainty still surrounds his long-term future at Anfield.

The veteran centre-back is reportedly considering one final major contract in his career and is expected to make a decision after the World Cup on whether to remain on Merseyside or seek a fresh experience elsewhere.

Liverpool are anticipated to make significant changes following a disappointing campaign, one the defender himself described as "unacceptable". Even so, many within football still believe the club will try to keep one of their most influential leaders during this rebuilding phase.

Van Dijk recently insisted the team must improve and ensure such a season is not repeated, comments that hardly suggested an imminent departure. Nevertheless, Galatasaray are exploring multiple elite options. Habertürk reports that Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is also on their shortlist should a move for Van Dijk fail to materialise.

Rudiger’s current contract with the Spanish giants expires at the end of the campaign, placing him in a potentially attainable position for interested clubs. Reports from Spain earlier this year suggested the German international would need to accept a substantial salary reduction to extend his stay in Madrid.

His present annual wage of around €14 million gross could reportedly be reduced by half, similar to the arrangement Luka Modric accepted during the final stage of his Real Madrid career.

There has also been speculation linking Rudiger with clubs in Saudi Arabia, although concerns regarding security in the region are believed to be discouraging that possibility for now. Juventus are likewise keeping a close eye on developments surrounding the 33-year-old defender.

Turkish football, meanwhile, has increasingly become an attractive destination for established stars. Galatasaray strengthened their squad significantly last summer by signing Leroy Sane on a free transfer after his Bayern Munich exit, while the club also spent €75 million to secure Victor Osimhen from Napoli in one of the biggest deals in Turkish football history.