Liverpool reporter David Lynch sheds light on Virgil van Dijk’s new contract and future at Anfield
Respected Liverpool reporter David Lynch has provided an update on the future of club skipper Virgil van Dijk amidst interest from Saudi Arabia.
A new era at Anfield is underway with Arne Slot replacing the legendary Jurgen Klopp in the managerial hotseat following close to nine years in charge – and the club will be hoping the Dutch tactician can have a quick impact on Merseyside.
The Reds are yet to make any summer signings as Arne Slot looks to evaluate the squad well before making transfer decisions. He will be hoping to continue working with the core group of players who brought the club so much success under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp. Three of the club’s stalwarts—Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all on contracts that are due to expire in the summer of 2025.
While Slot should be determined to retain the experienced trio and continue working with them, demanding the board to extend their stays, contract talks with all three players have yet to commence. Van Dijk, in particular, has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. The star defender is understood to have given the Saudi Pro League clubs the green light to approach Liverpool over a possible move this summer.
Amidst the exit rumours, David Lynch has recently shed light on Van Dijk’s future at Liverpool, suggesting a positive mood surrounding the potential renewal of the Netherlands international’s contract. When asked by Dave Davis out of the aforementioned ‘Big Three’ does Van Dijk’s contract extension appear to be the easiest? Lynch agreed and told on Anfield Index’s ‘Media Matters’ podcast:
“Yeah, I think so because I think as I say yeah, the desire from the player side is absolutely there. He loves Liverpool, he wants to stay as captain, he wants to keep playing here, so absolutely no question on that side of things.”
“So, that’s what yeah I think VVD is probably the easiest and maybe that’s hopefully one that they (Liverpool) can get sorted.”
Van Dijk has been one of the best defenders in the world for over five years now. Since arriving from Southampton in January 2018, the Dutchman has grown leaps and bounds at Anfield whilst helping our club win every single major honour under Klopp.
Having entered the final 12 months of the contract, it is understandable why there’s speculation over his future at Anfield. Going by Lynch’s insights on Van Dijk’s desire to extend his stay at Liverpool further highlight his commitment but also strengthens his love for the club and the fans. Despite our skipper’s desire for an extension, financial constraints and the player recently turning 33 could make negotiations a tad tricky.
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Therefore, our board cannot give out a lucrative contract to Van Dijk. They face the challenge of balancing player costs with performance expectations, so the contract extension for our defensive lynchpin must align with the club’s financial strategy and management.
