Liverpool boss makes stance clear on Virgil van Dijk’s future

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot made his demands clear by asserting that he wants captain Virgil van Dijk to stay. The Reds are facing the race against time with three of their key players, Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are playing in the last season of their current contract.

The situation is dire, as the three players are allowed to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs at this point. While Liverpool management have themselves to blame for letting the contract situation get this far, the fans want more clarity.

Van Dijk has played a pivotal role for the Reds this season, both as the leader and as the centre-back. The 33-year-old has shown no signs of losing his prime despite his age, doing his work elegantly and featuring regularly.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference (via YouTube), Slot highlighted his desire to see Van Dijk at Liverpool next season. He said:

“I don’t know what is happening, but the thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next year. All the rest, contract talks, this is not what I do”.

Van Dijk has the chance to win the second Carabao Cup trophy when his side faces Newcastle United on Sunday. The Dutch captain also has a chance to secure his first Premier League title as captain with Liverpool this season.

Liverpool are currently 15 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League with nine games remaining. The Reds have not spent a lot since the summer of 2024, signing only Federico Chiesa for the current season.

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Rest assured, the team is in a strong place because of the leaders they have in the squad, with Van Dijk leading the charge. Practically, Liverpool cannot afford to let their prime assets leave for free as the club operates under a limited budget.