Virgil van Dijk explains lack of new Liverpool contract
Virgil van Dijk has revealed he has not yet discussed extending his Liverpool contract with the club as his current deal nears it end.
For the first time in his six-year career at Anfield, Van Dijk is set to work under a new manager as Arne Slot takes over from Jurgen Klopp’s successful reign. The defender has become an integral part of the Merseyside squad, captaining the team since Jordan Henderson’s departure last summer.
His time in a Liverpool shirt is currently set to end next summer and the Dutchman has confirmed a new contract has not yet been drawn up.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Van Dijk explained the reasonings behind the lack of a new deal, with the club otherwise busy welcoming their new boss to Anfield.
He said: „That is not surprising, because the club was completely busy with the new trainer, the staff and everything. Then it doesn’t make sense to start working with players. You can always talk and we will see how that will go.“
He also opened up on his first conversation with Slot, during which the defender learned he would remain a key player moving forward.
He said: „I didn’t know Arne Slot at all. This was the first conversation. I didn’t have the feeling that this was a farewell conversation and I think he also sees me in Liverpool 2.0. I got the feeling that he is happy that I am still there and will also be there next season, so that I can help him where necessary.“
On saying goodbye to Klopp, Van Dijk added: „I’m very emotional, you know. You might not say that. I don’t cry often, but it has been very intense in recent weeks for different reasons. In the last ten minutes of the last match it became clear to me that this was the end of an era. With a staff that has meant a lot to my family and me. I’ll never forget.“
Van Dijk made the move to Liverpool in 2018, winning the Premier League title in the 2019/20 season as well as the Champions League the year before and the FA Cup in 2022.