Virgil van Dijk
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk has cast doubt on his contract situation at Liverpool in the aftermath of the Champions League defeat to PSG.
The 33-year-old Dutch defender, whose current deal expires this summer, has been engaged in prolonged negotiations with the Anfield hierarchy, but a definitive resolution has yet to be reached despite his pivotal role in Arne Slot’s team.
Several recent incidents have intensified speculation regarding Van Dijk’s future. Following Liverpool’s Champions League exit, the defender was spotted engaged in conversation with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and the club’s advisor Luis Campos in the Anfield corridors.
This interaction, occurring immediately after Liverpool’s elimination from Europe, has naturally fueled conjecture about potential interest from the French champions.
On a more positive note for Liverpool supporters, Van Dijk’s representatives were observed sitting alongside sporting director Richard Hughes during Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
But speaking to Paul Joyce of the Times after the defeat last night, the Reds skipper admitted that he still does not know if he will be a Liverpool player next season:
“I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment,” he said.
“It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There’s just . . . I keep saying the same thing.”
He then asserted that anyone claiming to have inside information on proceedings are not to be believed:
“Listen, there are ten games to go, and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. I don’t even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it.
“At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face,” the Dutchman concluded.
Recent reports indicate that the club is “very interested” in Borussia Dortmund center-back Nico Schlotterbeck as a possible replacement should Van Dijk depart.
The challenge of replacing Van Dijk would be substantial. Since his £75 million arrival from Southampton in January 2018, the defender has transformed Liverpool’s backline.
Hopefully it was just the emotions of a bitterly disappointing night speaking and not Van Dijk’s true feelings on the matter.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.