Liverpool bosses are not worried about Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation
According to a report from The Athletic, Liverpool are calm about the situation surrounding Virgil van Dijk, despite the skipper admitting he was considering his future.
Virgil van Dijk was an integral part of the Netherlands squad that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals before they were beaten 2-1 by England. After the Netherlands’ controversial exit from the Euros, an exhausted and exasperated Dutchman sparked a degree of concern amongst Liverpool fans when he stated he’s considering his future at club and international level.
The recently-turned 33-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool, and with no discussions over fresh terms yet, his future has come under intense speculation with Saudi Pro League clubs taking notice. However, the aforementioned report claims that Van Dijk’s comments after his nation’s exit from the European Championships and contract situation have not troubled the Anfield chiefs.
A late and heartbreaking exit from the Euros will hurt and feel disheartening for weeks to come. Van Dijk is experienced enough not to make reckless comments or decisions, so it was natural for a player—who is also his country’s skipper—to speak his heart out in the post-match interview.
The towering Dutchman’s influence and importance to the Reds cannot be overstated. Taking over the captain’s armband following Jordan Henderson’s departure last summer, he has blossomed in the role and led Liverpool through a season filled with great challenges.
When the team was hit with an injury crisis, the 33-year-old led from the front and helped an inexperienced side beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup finals. He stepped up when it mattered the most, scoring the winner in extra-time as Jurgen Klopp bid farewell to the Kopites with the Carabao Cup trophy.
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Van Dijk made 48 appearances across all competitions this past campaign—36 Premier League outings included—a testament to his endurance and robustness despite well into his 30s. So, Liverpool cannot afford to cash in on a player of his winning mentality, volumes of experience at the highest level and leadership skills or let him walk for free next summer.
Now the Euros are done and dusted, the Merseyside outfit must sort out Van Dijk’s future as quickly as possible and hand him a new deal. The report adds the club will begin talks to extend the decorated defender’s contract, which is a clear sign Van Dijk wants to remain at Anfield.
