Incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot wants an “urgent” discussion with Virgil van Dijk over his future amid stalled contract talks
Next Liverpool head coach Arne Slot needs captain Virgil van Dijk to clarify his future at the club this summer. Van Dijk has only one season remaining in his contract and he is not rushing to sign a new deal.
Current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced that he is stepping back from the managerial role once the current season ends. The announcement’s timing allowed the Reds to restructure their hierarchy and appoint Slot as the next head coach.
The current Feyenoord manager has earned a big reputation in the Netherlands after his successful tenures at AZ Alkmaar and Rotterdam. The 45-year-old is inheriting a very strong squad from Klopp but many players’ future is uncertain since the German’s announcement.
The long-serving senior players like Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have a season left in their contract. In case Salah departs amid interest from Saudi Arabia among other clubs, the Reds cannot afford to lose every leader.
Liverpool enjoyed a healthy season but all of their hard work fell short due to their horrible form since mid-March. They crashed out of the FA Cup and the Europa League while losing ground in the Premier League title chase.
The Reds conceded numerous goals early in the game and they relied immensely on the attack to save them. Unfortunately, the poor form of several attacking players and the opposition squeezing the game after scoring early proved too costly.
Despite the defensive struggles, Van Dijk remained a crucial first-choice centre-back at the club but his age is against him. The Dutch captain reaches 33 years of age in July and he is one of the highest earners at Liverpool.
The Mirror reported that Slot wants to keep Van Dijk at Liverpool and desires to discuss his future. Convincing the experienced defender is crucial as the club expects several major changes in the squad.
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Liverpool’s long-serving players further include Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez apart from Salah, Van Dijk and Trent. Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara’s contract expires at the end of the current season as they leave as a free agent. The Reds cannot afford to lose more players as a free agent, given the restricted financial structure they prefer.
