Liverpool plan to offer Virgil van Dijk a new five-year contract

Liverpool set to offer Virgil van Dijk a new contract

Speaking on the CBS Sports’ Que Golazo podcast (h/t Express), Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool are looking to offer Virgil van Dijk a new contract at the club.

The Dutch centre-back is currently sidelined due to an ACL injury he suffered against Everton back in October. However, Liverpool look at him as their ‘leader’ and want to tie him down to a new deal.

“Liverpool want in the new year to open new talks with the agent of Virgil van Dijk to extend his contract. They are so happy with the player, and Van Dijk is so happy with Liverpool.”

The 29-year-old Dutch behemoth has played a big role at the club since his £75million move from Southampton in January 2018.

Liverpool's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk leaves the field injured during the Merseyside derby. (GETTY Images) — Liverpool’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk leaves the field injured during the Merseyside derby. (GETTY Images)

He was a big part of the Champions League and Premier League title-winning Liverpool squad. The club see him as the future and will reportedly offer him a new contract after Christmas.

The new deal is reportedly for 5 years, with van Dijk currently having just 2 years left on his contract. Romano also mentioned that Klopp is a ‘big fan’ of Van Dijk.

“Liverpool will go with Van Dijk in the future, they don’t want to sell him.”

Virgil van Dijk will not be back in action anytime soon, courtesy of a ruptured cruciate ligament he suffered back in October. The ex-Southampton man made 5 Premier League appearances this season before his injury.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both sidelined due to serious injuries.

Joe Gomez too succumbed to a knee injury shortly after. In their absence, Liverpool have had to experiment with their backline, with midfielder Fabinho having to deputize at centre-back for the majority of the matches.

Liverpool have fared well without him so far but there is no doubt that the Reds would be substantially better with the 2019 Ballon d’Or runner-up in their line-up.