Virgil van Dijk recently claimed he has "no idea" where his future lies amid ongoing speculation over his Liverpool contract, but Ben Foster has dismissed the comments as "rubbish"
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will be on his way out if a new contract is not agreed soon
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk's recent statement about being clueless on his own future has been described as "absolute rubbish". Rumours have continually circled about the Liverpool skipper's next steps, with his contract still set to run out in the summer.
Van Dijk has been tipped in some quarters for a big-money transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. Such a move would see him follow a path set by former Liverpool colleagues like Fabinho, Roberto Firmino, Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane. While other reports have claimed Paris Saint-Germain could be the Dutch defender's next destination, or even the United States.
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Van Dijk, who made his switch to Anfield from Southampton in a £75million deal in 2018, recently voiced his uncertainty over what lies ahead, maintaining that those claiming to know are simply "lying".
However, ex-Manchester United, Wrexham and England shot-stopper Ben Foster has cast doubt on those comments. The former England international thinks the centre-back’s representatives are likely exploring options for a new challenge unless Liverpool come through with an agreeable extension to his deal on Merseyside.
While Van Dijk's annual earnings are estimated to surpass £11m at Liverpool, Foster indicated a stint in Saudi Arabia might offer him the chance to double his salary. "I love Virgil, but that is absolute rubbish," Foster said on his Fozcast podcast about the player's recent comments.
"There is not a footballer in the world that has ever existed that has no idea, unless you play for a League Two team where you're waiting on relegation or promotion. Unless you're in that position, you know exactly what's going on.
Virgil van Dijk captain of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 05, 2025
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been linked with several clubs(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"His agent will be talking to clubs all over the place. He will be gently making sure everybody knows that he wants £20million a year, or it might be £50m a year. That's how it works."
When quizzed about a possible switch for Van Dijk to Spanish giants Real Madrid instead of a move to Saudi Arabia, Foster said: "Neither would surprise me and it will be really interesting to see, but what I do know is there will be so many people willing to take him because they're not paying a transfer fee for him."
After Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties last week, Van Dijk addressed questions regarding his future directly.
Reports have suggested Paris Saint-Germain have made Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk their 'prime target'.
Reports have suggested Paris Saint-Germain have made Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk their 'prime target'
"I have no idea at the moment. Genuinely, I still have no idea," he said.
"It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There are 10 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.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk
Arne Slot won't want to lose Virgil van Dijk(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
"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."
Despite the setback of losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle at Wembley, Liverpool's bid for the Premier League title remains strong, with a comfortable 12-point lead over Arsenal with nine games to go.
This puts Van Dijk, alongside stars like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, in a good position to potentially depart on a high note if they choose to move on after this season.