Virgil van Dijk has announced that Liverpool have officially opened contract negotiations with his representatives, affirming his full commitment to the club.
This marks the first public acknowledgment from the Reds’ captain that discussions are underway between his agent and the club
He remains hopeful for a resolution before his current contract expires at the end of the season.
Like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Netherlands captain is eligible to speak with clubs outside of England regarding a pre-contract agreement starting January 1.
However, the 33-year-old insists that his “very full focus” is solely on Liverpool, where he has made 280 appearances since his record £75million transfer from Southampton in early 2018.
Van Dijk is believed to be one of the highest earners in the squad, second only to Salah.
This has led to speculation about Liverpool’s willingness to offer improved terms to a player who will turn 34 before the start of next season.
Although there were tentative links to a summer move to the Saudi Pro League, Liverpool never received any formal offers from the Middle East.
Negotiations are now ongoing to secure a deal that would keep Arne Slot’s captain at Anfield beyond the current campaign.
“I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future,” Virgil van Dijk said, speaking after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield.
“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.
“I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.
“What the future brings I have no idea at the moment, but like I said in my previous answer, discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys (the media) will know it as well.
“But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season.
“So we will see.
“My own form is fine.
“I will let others do the talking, I don’t want to talk about myself.
“It is not me who is not conceding, it is all of us who are not conceding.
“I’m the captain, yes, but I am feeling very fine.”
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