Liverpool have a major decision to make over Virgil van Dijk's future this month as he hears the end of his contract and the defender has spoken out
Virgil van Dijk speaking
Virgil van Dijk spoke glumly about the Netherlands' World Cup exit as he prepares for a return to Liverpool(Image: beIN Sports)
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Liverpool are not interested in selling Virgil van Dijk this summer despite escalating speculation regarding an exit. The Dutchman is due to join up with Andoni Iraola's squad in late July, at which point their pre-season tour of the United States will be well underway.
Van Dijk, who turns 35 on Wednesday, may have seen enough of North America to last a lifetime after the Netherlands' World Cup exit. And his latest Instagram update provides some background on his current outlook after failing to advance beyond the last 32.
Ronald Koeman's side were ousted from the competition by Morocco, who triumphed in their penalty shootout. And after a period of social media silence, Van Dijk finally addressed his fans and followers before turning his attention back to club matters.
"As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," he wrote on Monday. "To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day.
"A lot has been said and that is for another day. Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that.
"I’d like to thank our travelling fans and everyone back home who believed in us and stood by us until the end. We saw you, and we felt your support every step of the way."
Recent reports have suggested AC Milan and Fenerbahce are both interested in cutting a deal for Van Dijk. It's no secret the veteran is now in the final 12 months of his contract and Liverpool seem unlikely to hand their skipper an extension.
However, owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have consistently shown a preference for allowing those over 30 to run down their deals rather than cash in for a quick buck ahead of schedule. Andy Robertson was the latest example to do so this summer, while Mohamed Salah was permitted an exit despite there being 12 months still left to run on his agreement.
Both Salah and Van Dijk signed two-year extensions to remain at Anfield in the summer of 2024, the same year Jurgen Klopp left the club. And it appears the Reds are adamant for captain Van Dijk to see out his deal rather than split this summer.
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It may end up working in Liverpool's favour that the Netherlands' World Cup didn't unfold as Van Dijk hoped. Not only will the player report back for duty much earlier but they may find their star has new motivation to impress and make up for that miss.
The same might be said for compatriots Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo as they also return to Liverpool with points to prove. None more so than Van Dijk, however, as he edges deeper into the twilight of his career at Anfield.
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