Virgil van Dijk has played down the idea about a possible move to Real Madrid. The 33-year-old was pivotal in Liverpool's convincing 2-0 win against the European champions at Anfield on Wednesday night.
However, the post-match conversation veered off from his team's triumph to his personal future, particularly when prodded by a brazen Spanish journalist. With Van Dijk's current contract with Liverpool set to end on June 30, 2025, the uncertainty around a new deal leaves room for rumors about his next destination.
Addressing a question from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito about a potential move next year, Van Dijk replied with evident surprise: "What a direct question from you! They don't ask me that directly [in England].
"But listen, there is, at the moment, nothing I can say. The only thing that I can say is I'm fully focused on Man City from now on."
When the diligent reporter suggested that Madrid could use another top defender, Van Dijk nonchalantly remarked, "Do they? I don't know. But [Antonio] Rudiger is there, no?"
Van Dijk continued: "When? In the summer? Like I said to you before, the main focus at the moment, for me, is Man City. Liverpool, I'm fully focused on that, and I have nothing else to say regarding my future."
Since joining Liverpool in January 2018 from Southampton, the Dutchman has become one of the Premier League's legendary centre-backs. Meanwhile speculation remains about Real Madrid eyeing up Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose own contract is due to expire next summer.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England
Van Dijk was excellent against Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
While Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold have been fairly tight-lipped about their futures, Mohamed Salah broke his silence with a bombshell interview, hinting heavily at an Anfield exit.
The Egyptian said: "We are almost in December and I haven't received an offer to stay at the club yet so I am probably more out than in. I have been at the club for many years.
"There is no club like this but in the end it is not in my hands. As I said before, it is December and I haven't received anything yet about my future."