Virgil van Dijk to open contract talks with Liverpool’s board soon
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is in the last 12 months of his contract at Anfield. The Dutchman has been subject to interest from Saudi Arabia and cast doubts on his future in the aftermath of Netherlands’ Euro 2024 exit.
The player also said that there was ‘no change’ regarding his contractual situation on Merseyside in a recent interview but it has lately emerged that Liverpool are finally going to sit down and discuss fresher terms with their captain, as per Football Insider.
Van Dijk has also shown his receptiveness to the idea of prolonging his stay at Anfield, though any discussions between the two parties are expected to take play closer to the end of this calendar year.
Nevertheless, the fact that Van Dijk could be potentially staying at Liverpool for longer than initially anticipated is a massive boost for Arne Slot as well as the fans. There was some stress regarding his continuity at the club but it may now be just a matter of time before a fresh agreement is penned by the club with the player.
The 33-year-old has inarguably been the club’s best central defender since checking in from Southampton over five years ago. Though he suffered an ACL injury, as well as a lapse in form, Van Dijk has been head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates in the overall picture.
His signing is also welcome news as Liverpool bid farewell to an important defensive figure at the end of last season. Joel Matip, who was Van Dijk’s partner at the back during the club’s successful period under Jurgen Klopp, ended his career with the Reds.
Yet, no central defender has arrived so far in the summer and there is no indication that the German will be replaced by the end of the ongoing transfer window. As a result, Van Dijk’s qualities and leadership will be all the more important.
More Liverpool News
- Turkish giants keen to sign Liverpool star this summer; talks underway
- Wantaway Liverpool star keen to secure Arne Slot approval this summer; keen to fulfil Anfield dream
- Liverpool re-ignite interest in £100m PL star; talks underway
He featured for Liverpool in their pre-season friendly against Sevilla and will start against Ipswich Town on Saturday. There is bound to be more speculation regarding his future over the coming months but the fact that Van Dijk is prepared to discuss a fresh contract with the club shows that he is prepared to prolong his stay.
