Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, whose contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season in June 2025, is still the defensive leader of the final line at the age of 33, and last season he fully recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered a few seasons ago, regaining the strength and speed of his prime.
The former Southampton defender, who retains top-level individual ability even as he approaches veteran status, is keen to remain at Anfield beyond next season and has previously made light reference to his progress with the club towards a contract renewal.
After a close game against Chelsea, the Dutch centre-back spoke to reporters about his future. He said that negotiations with Liverpool were ongoing but that nothing had been finalised yet, but that he was focused on the game in front of him.
“I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future. My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”
Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah are developing, but need to step up a bit more to lead the centre-backs. Joe Gomez is likely to leave soon and a new defender is likely to join him, but Van Dijk’s presence is essential.
Liverpool also have no reason to let go of a player who is also the captain of the team and will do everything in their power to sign a new contract. How will the talks between the two sides end?