Virgil van Dijk has openly declared his willingness to re-sign for Liverpool as a free agent if a new contract isn’t finalized by the end of the season. The Reds’ skipper also expressed confidence in his current form, stating he is “in one of the best shapes” of his career at 33, which he believes warrants an extension.
Like teammates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk’s contract is up when the season concludes, and while discussions are ongoing, the Dutch captain acknowledges that the situation may extend beyond the season’s close, which culminates with a match against Crystal Palace on May 25.
The defender admits uncertainty about the final outcome but reaffirms his affection for Liverpool and his conviction in his ability to contribute at a top level for the foreseeable future. He cautiously addressed the recent speculation around interest from the Saudi Pro League.
“Listen, [possibly waiting until the season is over] is definitely the case, so we will see what happens,” Van Dijk remarked during a media session ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. “Maybe I will run this [contract] fully down and then there is still no news, I don’t know.
“I don’t know at this stage and I said that the other day (after PSG game). But I don’t want to create any anxiety or anything like that, I just keep my head down and focus on hopefully winning the next 10 games and that is my full focus: to be there for the manager, the players, the fans.
“So let’s see what it brings and I am sure by the end of the season there will be news. But what kind of news I am not sure. Well at the moment I can’t [see myself at another club] because there are still 10 games to go. I can’t think about what is going to happen after the summer.
“Like I said, the most important thing is to stay committed and I am fully committed to Liverpool Football Club at the moment and there is no doubt about that. You can see that, there is no other thing that is about so let’s just see.
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“It’s not a one, two, three discussion and there we go. There are multiple factors and as long as I am calm to you guys (the media) then there is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future. If I was worried you would see me playing a little bit worried and that is not the case.”
Speaking in his Friday press conference ahead of the Wembley clash, head coach Arne Slot echoed his desire to retain his defensive lynchpin: “The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season.”
“That’s a good start!” chuckled Van Dijk in response to being briefed on Slot’s recent comments. “Look, you’re going to ask these questions, but I’ve got nothing else to add. I don’t feel there’s any need to discuss any of that [rumoured offer from Saudi Arabia].
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“The only thing I can say – and I have said it already many times – is that I am so proud to be the captain of this beautiful club that means so much to me and has meant so much to me in the past, as well as my family.
“The full focus is on the next 10 games and there are obviously conversations going on and that is absolutely fine but they are private and confidential and there’s nothing more to add. The fans love me, I keep working and everyone can see that.
“I feel I am in one of the best shapes in my career and you have been seeing that I think. I enjoy playing, I enjoy leading the boys out, I enjoy being there for each and every one of them and I enjoy the responsibility more than ever, maybe because I am getting older slowly. But listen, I feel fine. So let’s wait and see.”
