Liverpool abandoned their pursuit of Matthijs De Ligt in the summer due to a troubled relationship with Virgil van Dijk, according to Football Insider sources.
Arne Slot’s side had early talks about signing the 25-year-old before he joined Manchester United, but they abandoned their chase after learning of the pair’s animosity.
According to Football Insider, the hatred arises from this summer’s Euros, where Van Dijk influenced the decision to sideline De Ligt in favour of Stefan De Vrij as his defensive partner.
Van Dijk and De Vrij played every minute of the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 campaign, but De Ligt sat out.
The two eventually played together for their country in a 2-2 UEFA Nations League draw against Germany on Tuesday, with De Ligt being replaced at halftime after a poor performance.
Liverpool pulls the brakes on Matthijs De Ligt deal due to Virgil van Dijk’s influence.
De Ligt joined Premier League rivals Manchester United from German giants Bayern Munich for £42.7 million earlier this summer, reuniting with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
The defender made his Manchester United debut from the bench in the club’s 1-0 victory over Fulham, playing the final nine minutes and allowing fellow Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee to score the winning goal.
On matchday three, Liverpool and Manchester United faced off, with Van Dijk winning 3-0 thanks to two goals from Luis Diaz and one from Mohammed Salah.
The Merseyside team is now in second place after winning their first three Premier League games without surrendering a goal.
In sharp contrast, Ten Hag’s team has had a disappointing start to the season, losing their last two games after defeating Fulham.
According to Football Insider (September 6), Erik ten Hag is considered a “dead man walking” at Manchester United if his results do not improve.
