Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.
The 33-year-old central defender is in the final few months of his contract at the club and Liverpool will be desperate to hold onto him beyond 2025. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and losing him would be a devastating blow for the club.
Liverpool are already lacking in depth in the central defensive unit and they simply cannot afford to lose their club captain. The defender has now handed the club a major boost by admitting that he would be open to staying at Liverpool beyond this summer.
In an interview via Mirror, the 75-cap Dutch international has confirmed that he is already planning ahead for the next two years and he would like to lead his club and country during that time. Van Dijk is also looking forward to the 2026 World Cup as well.
Van Dijk said: “At both teams I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader! And I certainly want to remain that for the next two years. I am human, I have emotions too. You start thinking all kinds of things. Especially just after a game like the elimination (by England) in the very last minute.
“I also understand that it came across unclear on how I stood in all this, because after the match I was so disappointed and full of emotion. It perhaps came across as if it had been my last international match. I did have doubts that night and I did hint at that.”
Liverpool must sort out Van Dijk contract quickly
It will be interesting to see if the two parties can sort out an agreement in the coming weeks now. Keeping the Dutch international defender at the club should be one of Liverpool’s main priorities. He is an indispensable asset for them, and he is also the leader of the group.
Van Dijk seems to be enjoying his football under Arne Slot and he will hope to guide Liverpool to a successful season this year. The Reds have started the season well with three wins in three league matches and they are yet to concede the single goal.