33-year-old defender Virgil van Dijk, who is also captain of the Netherlands national team, is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool and is in talks to decide whether to renew his current deal, which expires in June 2025, or leave on a free transfer.
With both sides said to want to stay, there is no sign of a decision being reached at the moment. However, Mick Brown, who has scouted for Manchester United and Tottenham, insists the club captain will remain at Anfield.
“I firmly believe that this is a pressure job from the agents,”
“They want to get the best deal possible for their players, whether that’s here or elsewhere.”
“But I have no doubt that Van Dijk will definitely sign an extension to his contract.”
“He’s still a crucial player under the new manager and he’s playing in a team that, at the moment, look like they could go and win things.”
“In the summer, I heard he was keen to see whether the new coach could match his ambitions.”
“They’re top of the league after ten games and have lost just once all season – I think he’ll be delighted with the way things have gone.”
“He’s the captain, he loves the club, and the fans love him. What else could you want?”
“I can’t see a situation in which he leaves in the near future.”
Football Insider
He is not only captain but also a defensive leader, a role that is not easily filled. Rumours of a new centre-back are rife, but the experience of the Dutch defender is hard to dismiss.
At the moment, it could go either way, but it is a contractual issue. Will the former Southampton defender continue to play for Anfield or will he leave the team when his contract expires?