Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has insisted he is in no hurry to resolve his future despite entering the final months of his contract at Anfield.
The 35-year-old defender’s current deal expires in June 2027, raising the possibility that his ninth season at Liverpool could be his last.
However, Van Dijk is relaxed about the situation and prepared to consider his options before deciding whether to extend his stay.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, the Netherlands international made it clear that he intends to continue playing beyond this season.
“I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing, so let’s see what the season brings,” Van Dijk said.
“I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that’s the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else.”
The centre-back stressed that uncertainty surrounding his future has not become a distraction, with discussions over a possible extension expected in the coming months.
“There’s nothing to report at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that there’s any stress or anything,” he added.
“I feel good, but it’s not about me at the moment. I’m not in any panic whatsoever.”
Van Dijk last extended his Liverpool contract in April 2025, signing a two-year agreement after months of speculation about his future.
He is an influential figure under manager Andoni Iraola, playing every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign this season.
The experienced defender has helped summer signing Jeremy Jacquet settle into the backline, providing leadership during another period of defensive transition.
However, his physical condition has recently become a concern after he revealed that he had been managing a minor injury for several weeks.
Van Dijk subsequently withdrew from the Netherlands squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures, allowing him additional time to recover.
“Physically I’ve been struggling with a little niggle the last couple of weeks, but I do everything in my power to be out there,” he explained.
Liverpool face further decisions over their defensive options, with Joe Gomez also approaching the end of his contract.
Giovanni Leoni is sidelined as he continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Those circumstances could strengthen the case for retaining Van Dijk, whose experience and availability are invaluable to Liverpool.