22nd February 2026; The City Ground, Nottingham, England; Premier League Football, Nottingham Forest versus Liverpool; Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker of Liverpool applaud the travelling fans after the final whistle PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK GodfreyxPitt Content restricted for UK based newspaper
22nd February 2026; The City Ground, Nottingham, England; Premier League Football, Nottingham Forest versus Liverpool; Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker of Liverpool applaud the travelling fans after the final whistle PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK GodfreyxPitt Content restricted for UK based newspaper
Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker have both spoken about their Liverpool futures this week. The Athletic’s James Pearce has now outlined how he sees the situation developing.
Van Dijk signed a two-year contract in April 2025, which runs until June 2027. Liverpool triggered a one-year extension clause in Alisson’s contract in March, so the goalkeeper’s deal also expires next summer.
Van Dijk, 35, turns 36 next July. Alisson, 34, turns 35 three months later.
Both addressed their futures after Sunday’s 3-1 win at Crystal Palace. Alisson had been asked about his plans after a series of important saves at Selhurst Park.
Van Dijk was asked about his future after Alisson said he wants to stay. He said he was “not in any panic whatsoever” and wants to keep playing.
The defender said there was nothing to report. He added that if a new deal does not come, he will go elsewhere.
Alisson was clear about his own preference: “my will is to stay.” He said his agent is talking with the club, but that he has not held talks himself.
ESPN, however, reports there are currently no negotiations over an extension, with both parties preferring to wait until the end of the season.
Head coach Andoni Iraola wants to keep Van Dijk, and that Liverpool would offer an extension until at least 2028. It also says Iraola hopes Alisson stays for longer.
Pearce reported that “there is unlikely to be a quick resolution, despite the fact that they could both sign pre-contract agreements with clubs overseas in just 51 days.”
“There is unlikely to be a quick resolution this time, either — despite the fact that Van Dijk and Alisson could sign pre-contract agreements with clubs overseas in just 51 days.
“It makes sense for all parties to wait and see how things unfold in the coming weeks and months. Respect abounds and relationships are strong, with dialogue ongoing between sporting director Julian Ward and the pair’s camps.”
He added: “Given their legendary status, there will be a growing clamour externally for the club to do whatever it takes to keep Van Dijk and Alisson on board. However, Ward’s job involves taking the emotion out of the decision-making process, with renewal terms based on what he believes they have left to offer at the highest level beyond next summer rather than what they have already achieved at Anfield.
“Do you offer one- or two-year extensions? Given their age, do you attempt to reduce their basic salary and increase the level of bonuses linked to appearances? Would they accept that? Will lucrative offers from elsewhere alter the landscape?”
Van Dijk has been managing a minor fitness issue for a couple of weeks. The Dutch FA said he did not return fit from the Palace game and withdrew him from the Netherlands squad for their Nations League matches against Greece and Germany.
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