Liverpool told to make quick Van Dijk call as contract decision causes surprise
Virgil van Dijk’s contract uncertainty continues to rumble on at Liverpool as the end of his deal nears.
The Reds captain has established a deserved reputation as one of the greatest centre-backs the Premier League has ever seen.
Since arriving from fellow top-flight side Southampton back in January 2018, van Dijk has made over 300 Liverpool appearances, and has been a central figure throughout a golden period in the club’s history.
With the Dutchman at the heart of their defence, the Merseyside giants have won one FA Cup, one Premier League title, the Champions League and two League Cups.
Arne Slot’s men currently hold a 13-point lead in the top-flight and appear set to win their second Premier League title since van Dijk joined the club.
However, as it stands, the legendary captain is set to leave the club for free this summer, when his Liverpool contract expires.
Rafael van der Vaart makes van Dijk admission as time runs out for Liverpool ace
Van Dijk has remained a key figure for Liverpool this season, and has appeared in all 28 Premier League games for the Reds this campaign.
He has been as solid as ever for Slot’s men, who have maintained the second-best defensive record in the top flight of English football this season, conceding just 26 goals.
| Virgil van Dijk | 2024/25 Premier League stats |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Starts | 28 |
| Tackles won | 14 |
| Duels won | 133 |
| Pass accuracy % | 91.6 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Goals | 1 |
But, as it stands, Van Dijk could be leaving Liverpool on a free transfer this summer, and fellow Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart has had his say on the situation.
The former Tottenham midfielder told talkSPORT on Tuesday: “Yeah I’m surprised because I think that, I don’t know him really good, but it seems like he doesn’t want to leave.
“He’s 33-years-old but the way he plays, his vision I always say after the games he’s shown you he can put it back because he never sweats it looks so easy.
“(He’s one of those) real leaders, I can’t see him playing anywhere else so I think he should stay and they should do it quick.”
Van Dijk exit would present Liverpool with a major challenge
Liverpool currently have a serious chance of winning at least two trophies this season, as they hold an extremely secure lead at the top of the Premier League table, and have also booked their spot in this month’s League Cup final.
The Reds will fancy their chances of defeating Newcastle United at Wembley on 16 March, while they are still in contention to win their seventh Champions League too.
To progress in the Champions League, Slot’s men will have to navigate the serious challenge of Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
But Liverpool could be set to enjoy one of the best seasons in their great history, which is largely thanks to the efforts of the potentially outgoing van Dijk.
While van Dijk is 33-years-old, and is consequently nearing the end of his career, he is still a major asset for the Reds as it stands, and would leave Slot and co with a major gap to plug.
Liverpool could well be in for a summer of hardship, given the fact that both Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also out of contract at the end of the season.