Liverpool are increasingly confident of securing a new contract with captain Virgil van Dijk, with all parties eager to extend the arrangement.
According to TEAMtalk, only the final terms of the deal remain to be negotiated.
Since his £75million move from Southampton in January 2018, the Dutch defender has been a crucial figure in Liverpool’s defense, playing a key role in their recent success.
Virgil van Dijk helped the club win the Champions League just 18 months after joining and has since added Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cup trophies to his honors list.
However, like his teammates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, making him eligible to negotiate with overseas clubs as of January 1 – just 71 days away.
The 33-year-old has been clear about his desire to stay at Anfield and recently confirmed publicly that talks are ongoing over an extension.
“I can say discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know what happens in the future,” Van Dijk told the media.
“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 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.”
At 33 years old and entering the twilight of his career, Virgil van Dijk will turn 34 by the start of the 2025/26 season. For most players, this stage is often associated with being past their peak or approaching retirement.
However, Van Dijk’s form over the past 12 months suggests he’s still performing at an elite level.
The Dutch centre-back remains one of the best defenders in both the Premier League and world football.
Van Dijk has expressed that he feels “very good physically and mentally” – a statement reflected by Liverpool’s outstanding start under new head coach Arne Slot.
The Reds have won 10 of their first 11 games this season, conceding only five goals in that period.
As a result, Liverpool are reportedly keen to extend Van Dijk’s contract.
It is understood that the defender is seeking a two-year extension, which would see him stay at Anfield until the summer of 2027, when he will be 36.
However, Liverpool are more likely to propose a one-year extension until 2026, with the possibility of a further one-year option.
Currently, Van Dijk is the club’s second-highest earner, making £220,000 per week.
It is believed he wants to maintain that wage if he agrees to a new deal.
Nevertheless, there is a ‘calmness and confidence’ within the club that a mutually beneficial agreement will soon be reached.
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