Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has confirmed he is in no rush to resolve his contract situation, which expires at the end of the current season. The 35-year-old defender stated he is open to remaining at Anfield but is prepared to move to another club if an agreement is not reached.
Van Dijk addresses his Anfield future
Following Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace, Van Dijk addressed speculation regarding his tenure at the club, which began in January 2018. While the defender expressed a desire to continue playing at the top level, he maintained that no formal decisions have been finalized.
As he looks to the future, the captain has clarified that he has no intention of hanging up his boots regardless of whether a new deal at Anfield is secured.
🚨 Virgil van Dijk on his contract expiring in June: “I feel good but it’s not about me at the moment. Let’s see. I’m not in any panic”. “I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing. Let’s see what the season brings. I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will… pic.twitter.com/uzPyyfE55P
“I feel good but it’s not about me at the moment. Let’s see. I’m not in any panic whatsoever,” said Van Dijk.
“I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing. Let’s see what the season brings.” The Netherlands international, who will turn 36 next July, remains one of the world’s premier centre-halves and has reiterated that he would be willing to play elsewhere rather than retire should his time with the Reds come to an end.
The captain emphasized that he remains focused on the current campaign and added that his mental state remains positive despite managing a minor physical issue or “niggle” in recent weeks, confirming he is doing everything in his power to remain available for selection.
Liverpool plans for potential renewal
Despite the uncertainty, Liverpool is reportedly keen to retain the defender. According to internal insights shared by transfer insider Graeme Bailey, the club intends to offer a new deal to the captain.
Although advanced contract talks have not yet been initiated with his representatives, there is a belief that the hierarchy views his leadership as essential, with Andoni Iraola reportedly eager to keep him around. Bailey described Van Dijk as a “captain figure” who acts as “like having a coach on the pitch.”
Insiders note that Van Dijk’s influence on younger players, particularly centre-back partner Jeremy Jacquet, has been a significant factor in the club’s thinking.
“I’m told there’s every chance he gets another 12 months at least. It doesn’t stop them [from] bringing another centre-half in. But learning from Van Dijk, these youngsters… I’m told Jacquet is learning so much playing next to him,” said Bailey. The club also continues to monitor other young defensive talents, such as Giovanni Leoni, to bolster their long-term options.
Market evaluations and squad transition
As the club evaluates its defensive future, current market data places Van Dijk’s estimated transfer value (ETV) between €11.9M and €14.6M. While Van Dijk remains a regular starter, having played every available minute in the Premier League so far this season, Liverpool is simultaneously tracking potential replacements.
The team’s defensive stability has also been bolstered by the arrival of Ronald Araujo at right-back, which has helped the side improve in both open play and during set-piece situations.
The club has been linked to several defensive prospects, including Leeds United’s Tarik Muramehovic, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck.
🆕 The museum visit showed how seriously Virgil van Dijk continues to take his role as captain, even as he enters the final year of his contract. Alisson is in a similar position but has already said his agent has held talks over a new deal. Talks are expected to follow with Van… pic.twitter.com/jVIpnYkm5R
Commitment to the 2026-27 season
Van Dijk remains committed to the team’s immediate goals. Currently, the defender has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Germany due to his recent physical struggles.
With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, the captain has made it clear that he is not currently concerned about his long-term future.
“If that will be extended, that’s the case.” “If not, then I will go somewhere else,” Van Dijk said. For now, the leadership at Anfield is tasked with balancing the need for a defensive succession plan with the continued high-level performance of their veteran captain.