Liverpool expected to offer Van Dijk a new contract

Liverpool is expected to offer Virgil van Dijk a contract extension in the coming days, with the captain’s deal due to expire at the end of the current season. No agreement has been reached so far, and the 35-year-old defender said there was no news on the matter. Questions over his future have consequently grown.

The club is reported to have settled its position on the possibility of renewing the Dutchman’s contract. Support for Van Dijk within Liverpool is part of the picture: Spanish media report that Andoni Iraola and the club’s board members believe the team still needs its captain. Iraola has also expressed strong satisfaction with Van Dijk’s contribution in the dressing room, while the defender’s performances on the pitch remain highly regarded.

That assessment comes against the backdrop of a significant day-to-day role. After the first 10 rounds, Van Dijk had played every minute of his team’s Premier League matches in the current season. His fitness has also drawn attention: he missed the two Nations League games against Greece in Amsterdam and Germany in Berlin because of a physical issue. The Dutch federation had announced that Van Dijk and Bryan Brobbey would be left out for those matches, played in the group’s final two rounds.

His international absence contrasted with his availability for his club. Van Dijk had featured in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday and had continued to play every minute of his team’s Premier League matches this season. The Dutch federation nevertheless confirmed that he was not ready to play at international level.

Asked about a possible extension, Van Dijk said: “We’ll see. I’m not worried.” He also rejected the idea that he felt any particular pressure: “I want to keep playing and keep doing what I’m doing. We’ll see what the season brings. I’ve had a great time with Liverpool so far. If it continues, that’s great. And if it doesn’t, I’ll join another club.”

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, when Jürgen Klopp was in charge of the team, in a transfer worth 84.65 million euros. He has won the Champions League and two Premier League titles with the club. Captain since 2023, after Jordan Henderson’s departure, he is now at the centre of a contract decision that has yet to be completed.