Virgil van Dijk is in the final year of his Liverpool contract
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a move away from Anfield as his contract situation has compounded in a way that breeds room for a possible exit.
The Netherlands international has been in the midst of heavy speculation about his future with his contract expiring at the end of the season (Transfermarkt). He can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January which is within a month away.
The Reds cannot afford to lose one of their best players for free, particularly when the 33-year-old is a part of the spine that holds the squad together. The chiefs at Anfield have rightfully faced scrutiny for letting the contracts of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold run down without early talks.
Numbers showcase Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk's dominant display vs Bayer Leverkusen. (Credit: @lfc)
Virgil van Dijk is in the final seven months of his Liverpool contract. (Credit: @lfc)
Now, according to an exclusive report from CaughtOffside, Virgil van Dijk has rejected the latest contract proposal from Liverpool as it didn’t fulfil his expectations. Negotiations over an extension are still ongoing, though.
Van Dijk joined the Reds back in January 2018 from Southampton, and it has been no coincidence that the club’s fortunes have massively transformed with him becoming the defensive lynchpin.
Our skipper has been truly magnificent this season, helping the Reds enjoy the best defensive record in the division with just 11 goals conceded in 14 Premier League games. The Dutch rock has featured in 19 matches this season, contributing two goals and an assist while maintaining his defensive high standards.
The 33-year-old has formulated a dominant partnership with Ibrahima Konate at the heart of Liverpool’s backline. Featuring in every league game under Arne Slot, it’s clear just how vital Arne Slot views his compatriot. The towering centre-back’s leadership and ability to control games from the back make him a valuable asset for Liverpool and Arne Slot.
Contract Demands Unveiled as Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk drops future update.
Contract Demands Unveiled as Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk drops future update.
Thus, it’s imperative that the Merseyside giants secure Van Dijk’s future with a lucrative deal, and allocate him a wage that reflects his standing in the squad and within the rest of the Premier League. The aforementioned report adds that cash-rich Saudi Pro League clubs, as well as the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus and Barcelona, are all vying for his signature on a free transfer.
Saudi club Al-Nassr have already spoken to the Liverpool superstar’s representatives to understand more about his situation and are willing to offer him a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further year. Barcelona have also held talks with the Dutchman’s entourage, although Van Dijk has privately stated that he will only respond to their offers after his dialogue over a contract extension with the north-west club is done.
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Liverpool simply cannot lose a player of Van Dijk’s calibre, aura, experience and leadership skills, especially on a free transfer. There is an anticipation that the Breda-born defensive wall’s situation will change soon.