Liverpool veteran Virgil van Dijk insists he’s not worried about his future despite uncertainty over whether he will remain at Anfield beyond the end of the season.
The Reds captain is in the final months of his contract, which expires at the end of the season. But his future is still up in the air.
Liverpool are expected to open negotiations over a possible contract extension in the coming months, but Van Dijk is calm about the situation.
After a brilliant performance in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Van Dijk said his priority is to keep enjoying football rather than get distracted by questions about his future.
“I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing, so let’s see what the season brings,” he told reporters (via The Athletic).
“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. There’s nothing to report at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that there’s any stress or anything.
“I feel good, but it’s not about me at the moment. I’m not in any panic whatsoever.”
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in the summer of 2018 for a then-world-record £75 million.
He has since become one of the greatest Premier League centre-backs of all time and remains an invaluable part of the Liverpool backline.
The 35-year-old has played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League matches this season.
He has kept four clean sheets in 10 games and helped new signing Jeremy Jacquet settle into life at Anfield and adapt quickly to Premier League football.
If Liverpool don’t extend his contract, they’ll have big shoes to fill next summer. And if their handling of Mohamed Salah’s exit is any indication, the Reds may be in for another transitional campaign.
Van Dijk also revealed that he has been managing a minor injury problem in recent weeks.
While he feels mentally strong, the physical discomfort has forced him to withdraw from the Netherlands squad for the current international break.
Liverpool are also considering extending Alisson’s contract, although the Brazilian has already made it clear he’d sign a new deal in a heartbeat.