Liverpool set to make fresh move for Virgil van Dijk as captain’s contract runs down

Liverpool believe Virgil van Dijk remains central to their plans and are expected to offer the captain a new contract in the coming days, despite no agreement currently being in place.

The Netherlands defender’s existing deal expires at the end of the season, with the 35-year-old having only a few months remaining on his contract. The lack of progress over an extension had cast doubt over his future at Anfield.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola and the club’s board feel the team still needs its captain.

Iraola is understood to be particularly pleased with Van Dijk’s influence in the Liverpool dressing room, while also being impressed by the defender’s continued performances on the pitch.

Van Dijk has played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign this season after the opening 10 rounds. The club are now expected to present him with an offer to remain at Liverpool.

Van Dijk has spoken about his future after withdrawing from the Netherlands squad for their Nations League matches against Greece on Friday in Amsterdam and Germany on Monday in Berlin because of physical discomfort.

Asked about the possibility of renewing his Liverpool contract, he said: “We’ll see. I’m not worried.”

The centre-back added that there was currently no news regarding a new deal.

“But that doesn’t mean there is any pressure or anything like that,” he said. “I want to keep playing and continue doing what I am doing. We will see what the season brings for us. I have had a fantastic time at Liverpool so far. If this continues, that is excellent. If it does not, I will move to another club.”

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, when the club were managed by Jurgen Klopp. Southampton received 84.65 million euros for the transfer.

During his time at Liverpool, Van Dijk has won every available major honour, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles. He has worn the captain’s armband since 2023, following Jordan Henderson’s departure.

Netherlands dealt double injury blow

Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez has lost both Van Dijk and striker Brian Brobbey for the team’s final two Nations League group matches after the pair were ruled out on fitness grounds.

The Royal Netherlands Football Association announced on Monday that the two players would miss the fixtures against Greece and Germany, which are the final matches in Group A.

Van Dijk’s absence comes despite his playing in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday and completing every minute of his club’s Premier League matches this season. The Dutch federation nevertheless confirmed that he was not fit to represent his country.

The match against Serbia, a 2-1 Netherlands victory in October, was Van Dijk’s 100th international appearance. His absence is a significant setback for the Netherlands because of his leadership and importance in defence.