Liverpool fans will breathe a sigh of relief with captain and legend Virgil van Dijk has decided about his future and is expected to stay with the Reds for another contract.
It is good news for most people who are regulars for Anfield games in the Liverpool market. They know that the foundation on which Jurgen Klopp built the club still exists.
Van Dijk Stays
The Reds’ captain, who has just nine months left on his existing deal, attracted serious interest from the Saudi Pro League during the summer after admitting he would think about his future for both club and country
For the first time, Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he wants to sign a contract extension with Liverpool that will keep him at the top of his game for the next World Cup.
The Reds’ captain, who has just nine months left on his existing deal, attracted serious interest from the Saudi Pro League during the summer after admitting he would think about his future for both club and country following Holland’s Euro semi-final heartbreak at the hands of England and Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield.
Van Dijk can open negotiations with foreign clubs in January as pressure grows on Liverpool chief executive Michael Edwards and new sporting director Richard Hughes to secure the futures of the Dutchman and team-mates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It is a tricky situation for the club because everyone in the Liverpool market understands that Salah and van Dijk are the building blocks of the Reds’ success story, and letting them go would have a big fallout.
But the 33-year-old defensive colossus has now made it clear that he wants to lead Holland into the 2026 World Cup and continue on Merseyside with new boss Arne Slot.
Van Dijk said: “At both teams, I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader! And I certainly want to remain that for the next two years. I am human; I have emotions, too. You start thinking all kinds of things, especially just after a game like the elimination (by England) in the very last minute.
“I also understand that it came across as unclear on how I stood in all this because, after the match, I was so disappointed and full of emotion. It perhaps came across as if it had been my last international match. I did have doubts that night, and I did hint at them.
“It’s very good that I went on holiday the next day, was able to spend time with my children, my family, which is the most important thing in my life. I was able to share it, and things calmed down very quickly.”
The arrival of Slot has rejuvenated Van Dijk following Klopp’s shock decision to leave at the end of last season.
When it seemed he might be heading to the desert to earn a fortune, Holland boss Ronald Koeman visited him in England to tell him that would signal the end of his 75-cap international career and that his country needed him for the next World Cup. That message has helped Liverpool bid to agree on a new deal with the Dutchman.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Refuses to Sign New Contract
In a more disappointing twist of events at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has stressed that he will not want to sign a new contract with the club.
This situation hints at a possible exit as a free agent.
The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool could be one of the biggest transfer stories of the season amid reported interest from Real Madrid.
The England right-back is considered one of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League and is a vital cog in Arne Slot’s squad.
Alexander-Arnold is one of three key Liverpool players entering the final 12 months of their contracts. The other two are top talisman Mo Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has previously hinted that the Reds are working on new deals for the trio, but none have signed an extension yet.
This has led to speculation that all three players could depart Anfield on free transfers next summer. When asked about the situation in July, Hughes said: “Contractual situations, I don’t think it would be fair for me to talk about.
“These are private matters between club and players,” he added.
“The only concern I have, that Arne (Slot) has, about those situations and everyone else in the squad is that there is total commitment from the players to the cause for next season – and we are convinced that is the case.”
Spanish outlet SPORT (cited by Paisley Gates) has now provided an update on Alexander-Arnold’s situation. The report claims that the dynamic defender has ‘refused’ a contract extension from Liverpool – suggesting that a switch to Real Madrid is on the cards.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has been interested in Alexander-Arnold for several months and would no doubt jump at the opportunity to snap him up on a cut-price deal.
This is not what your everyday ticket purchaser from the Liverpool market is expected to hear. It also points several fingers at the management for their improper management.
Real Madrid plot move for Alexander-Arnold
If Alexander-Arnold does not sign an extension by January, foreign clubs can open talks with him over a pre-contract agreement before a free transfer next summer.
On the other hand, Liverpool could be forced to sell the right-back in the winter window but would likely have to accept a fee far below his accurate valuation.
Sport’s report claims that Real Madrid are planning to sign Alexander-Arnold next summer. The fact that he has ‘refused’ a new deal suggests that he wants to choose his own destination.
Los Blancos are keen to bring in a new right-back as a long-term replacement for duo Dani Carvajal, who is 32, and Lucas Vasquez, who’s 33.
Liverpool won’t give up on trying to negotiate a new contract for Alexander-Arnold, but if he doesn’t sign new terms by January, a move to the Bernabeu could become reality.
The Reds have hot prospect Conor Bradley as their right-back backup, but Slot would find it incredibly difficult to replace Alexander-Arnold if he leaves.
