Liverpool legend John Barnes has sent a clear message about Virgil van Dijk's contract at Anfield with Andoni Iraola having taken over from Arne Slot as head coach this summer
11:15, 08 Jul 2026Updated 11:15, 08 Jul 2026
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Alex Pantling - FIFA via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk turns 35 today but Liverpool legend John Barnes wants him to stay beyond the end of his current contract, which expires next year.
Barnes believes that the experience of the Reds' skipper will be vital for new head coach Andoni Iraola, who was appointed to take over from Arne Slot after he was fired following an underwhelming campaign.
Alisson Becker appears to be staying put after interest from Juventus, but Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson — two other significant members of the leadership group at Anfield — have already departed, leaving a gap that will need to be filled.
"I'd like to see Virgil’s contract being extended because for Iraola, he'll need his senior players," Barnes told Betfred. "Those that have been around the block and know the club... so I think it’s important that we keep a hold of Virgil next season."
Last week saw Van Dijk linked with a move away from Liverpool, though such suggestions have since been played down. He only has another 12 months remaining on his deal.
Van Dijk issued an emotional statement on social media a few days ago after the Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup by Morocco at the last-32 stage.
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands.
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands.(Image: Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images)
"As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," Van Dijk wrote. "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 traveling 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."
While Van Dijk was gutted to go out of the World Cup earlier than anticipated, it does mean that he will return more quickly to pre-season training for Liverpool.
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Iraola oversaw some training this week for some of the stars already back at the AXA, including Harvey Elliott and new signing Jeremy Jacquet. Pre-season properly gets underway next week for those who haven't been at the World Cup.
Liverpool.com says: Van Dijk may be turning 35 today, but he remains one of the very best around. He played every minute that mattered last season and not without good reason.
With Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni both very young and inexperienced, passing on his knowledge will be hugely important in the coming months. A conversation is surely there to be had about extending his deal beyond next summer.