Liverpool boss Arne Slot has reiterated his desire for Virgil van Dijk to remain at Anfield beyond the end of this season when his contract expires. The Reds captain insisted there was still no update when he spoke following the defeat to PSG on Tuesday.
“I don’t know what’s happening next season as well in terms of results,” Slot said during his press conference. “But that’s not what you mean. The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season. The rest is talks about the contract and that is not what I do over here.”
“Not for me, no,” he added when pressed on whether that would influence his planning for the next campaign. it will be the job of sporting director Richard Hughes to ensure that the Liverpool captain remains at the club beyond the summer.
“No idea,” Van Dijk told reporters earlier this week when he asked if he would be back next season to have another go at winning the competition with the Reds. “Still no idea. I have no idea at the moment. There is nothing on hold. I don’t even know myself. I keep saying the same thing.
“Listen, there is 10 more games left and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it but I don’t even know it myself. Everyone knows there is some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. I don’t know what will happen next year so if anyone says they do, they are lying to you!”
Liverpool plays Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final this weekend and then has another nine matches to play in the Premier League. It is currently 15 points clear of Arsenal in the standings with the Gunners taking on Chelsea in their game in hand on Sunday.
Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt that Van Dijk should be retained. The feeling is that he wants to stay as well, so it is strange there has not been any movement yet. Liverpool needs to sort out an extension for the Dutchman and Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold too.
