Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season and the Reds have yet to open talks over a new deal, with Real Madrid linked with a free transfer move
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a move to Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey acknowledges that Virgil van Dijk could be enticed by the possibility of a free transfer to Real Madrid next summer.
Van Dijk is in the final year of a two-year contract extension he signed in April 2025 and revealed following the 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on September 20 that the club has yet to initiate discussions regarding fresh terms.
Liverpool and Netherlands skipper Van Dijk is believed to be comfortable with the current situation, though the 35-year-old has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign.
Heskey, who turned out 223 times for the Reds between 2000 and 2004, believes potential overtures from the Spanish giants could prove difficult for Van Dijk to ignore, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"Virgil van Dijk, he is coming to the end of his contract at Liverpool, but we've got to remember that when certain clubs come calling they turn your head whether you're under contract or not, and Real Madrid is one of them," Heskey told Casinolyze.
"So I'd be surprised if his head's not turned. The only thing is that Liverpool letting another big star go at the end of their contract doesn't sit well with me.
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"And it won't [sit well] with the fans either because despite his age he still has value. That's something that Van Dijk has to consider given his status at Liverpool."
Heskey, who claimed six honors at Anfield, also suggested vice-captain Dominik Szoboszlai could ultimately inherit the armband on a permanent basis, stating: "Dominik Szoboszlai is a future Liverpool captain.
"As someone who's a leader and takes control, you've got to start looking at that and try to nail him down as the number one priority.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool walks out prior to the Premier League match against Fulham
Dominik Szoboszlai was added to Liverpool's leadership group as one of the vice captains over the summer(Image: Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
"Not just for that, but you can also use him as a tool to attract players. He's a fantastic player, a great individual, and a great leader, or at least looks like one from the outside.
"You can use players like that to entice others. Keeping Szoboszlai is vital."
Liverpool.com says: You could make a definite argument for Liverpool giving Van Dijk a new contract. At 35, he's certainly not the the type of player the club would usually offer new terms to.
As Heskey says though, he still holds a lot of value for the Reds, and with Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni still young, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe to add to the mix, having that experience could be just what is needed for the next year or two.