Virgil van Dijk is only contracted to Liverpool until the summer of 2027.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool applauds during the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid
Virgil van Dijk is the current captain of Liverpool but is in the final year of his contract (Image: Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has admitted that Virgil van Dijk could be lured by the possibility of a free transfer to Real Madrid next summer.
The defender is in the final year of a two-year extension he signed in 2025 and revealed following last month's victory over Bournemouth that the club have yet to open discussions over fresh terms.
The Liverpool and Netherlands captain is believed to be calm about matters at present, but the 35-year-old has been the subject of speculative reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid when his contract expires.
Heskey, who turned out 223 times for the Reds between 2000 and 2004, believes potential overtures from the Spanish capital could prove difficult for Van Dijk to resist.
"He is coming to the end of his contract at Liverpool, but we've got to remember that when certain clubs come calling they turn your head whether you're under contract or not, and Real Madrid is one of them," Heskey told Casinolyze.
"So I'd be surprised if his head's not turned. The only thing is that Liverpool letting another big star go at the end of their contract doesn't sit well with me.
"And it won't [sit well] with the fans either because despite his age he still has value. That's something that Van Dijk has to consider given his status at Liverpool."
Heskey, who secured six trophies at Anfield, also backed vice-captain Dominik Szoboszlai to eventually assume the armband on a permanent basis.
He added: "Dominik Szoboszlai is a future Liverpool captain.
Van Dijk is yet to begin talks over a new contract at Anfield
Van Dijk is yet to begin talks over a new contract at Anfield (Image: Getty)
"As someone who's a leader and takes control, you've got to start looking at that and try to nail him down as the number one priority.
"Not just for that, but you can also use him as a tool to attract players. He's a fantastic player, a great individual, and a great leader, or at least looks like one from the outside.
"You can use players like that to entice others. Keeping Szoboszlai is vital."