This season marks the final year of the contracts for three key Liverpool players, and while fans are bracing themselves for Mohamed Salah’s likely departure, there’s more optimism surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold, who seems unlikely to leave his boyhood club. The focus now shifts to Virgil van Dijk, who has briefly expressed his desire to remain at Anfield.
Liverpool are keen to resolve Van Dijk’s contract situation after making progress in talks with his center-back partner, Ibrahima Konate, as TEAMtalk reports. Under new head coach Arne Slot, the Reds are rushing to a new era, and with their impressive start to the season, they are firmly in the title race, sitting at the top of the Premier League.
A club legend by now
Virgil van Dijk, one of the best defenders in the world is currently among Liverpool’s highest earners, taking home £220,000 per week. The Dutchman has made 279 appearances for the Reds and remains a pivotal figure in their defense.
According to sources shared with TEAMtalk, there’s positive news for Liverpool regarding Van Dijk’s future. After securing the long-term commitment of his centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate, the club plans to focus on extending Van Dijk’s contract.
Liverpool have reportedly advanced talks with 25-year-old Konate, who is eager to stay, and they are hopeful of announcing his contract extension soon. The expectation is that Van Dijk and Konate will continue anchoring the Reds’ defence next season.
It is expected that the new contract will take Van Dijk to £300,000 per week, a significant increase on his current deal.
Van Dijk has insisted he wants to remain “the big leader” for Liverpool and the Netherlands “for the next two years.” There is confidence that an agreement will be struck and talks are set to happen over the next few weeks.
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The Reds have tied young defender Jarell Quansah down to a new long-term contract. They have immediately turned their attention to Konate, with Van Dijk’s new deal the next objective after that.
On Monday, reports stated that Van Dijk informed those close to him of his desire to stay at Liverpool, and club chiefs Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards will soon offer him the opportunity to extend his stay.
