Liverpool face a major decision on Virgil van Dijk’s future after hearing his contract ends this month, with the defender speaking out
Virgil van Dijk spoke glumly about the Netherlands’ World Cup exit as he prepares to return to Liverpool (Image: beIN Sports)
Liverpool have shown no interest in selling Virgil van Dijk this summer, despite growing speculation about his departure. The Dutchman is expected to join coach Andoni Iraola’s side in late July, at which point their pre-season tour of the United States will be well underway.
Van Dijk, who turns 35 on Wednesday, may have seen enough North America to last a lifetime after the Netherlands’ World Cup exit. And his latest Instagram update provides some context as to his current outlook after failing to advance beyond the last 32.
Ronald Koeman’s side lost to Morocco, who won on penalties. And after a period of silence on social media, Van Dijk has finally spoken to his fans and followers, before turning his attention back to the club’s problems.
“As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud,” he wrote on Monday. “It’s heartbreaking to see the World Cup end so soon, because I know how much effort this team has put in every day.
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“A lot has been said, but that’s for another time. It’s now about accepting that we failed and taking full responsibility for it.
“We would like to thank our fans on the road and everyone back home who believed in us and stood by us until the end. We met you and felt your support every step of the way.”
Recent reports have claimed that AC Milan and Fenerbahce are interested in signing Van Dijk. It’s no secret that the veteran is currently in the final 12 months of his contract, and it seems unlikely that Liverpool will grant their captain a contract extension.
But owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has consistently said it prefers to allow people over 30 to get through the deal rather than get the cash sooner than expected. Andy Robertson was the case this summer, while Mohamed Salah was allowed to leave despite still having 12 months left on his contract.
Salah and Van Dijk have signed two-year extensions to keep them at Anfield in the summer of 2024, the same year that manager Jurgen Klopp left the club. And the Reds appear determined to see captain Van Dijk through to the end of his contract rather than splitting up this summer.
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The fact that the World Cup in the Netherlands did not go as Van Dijk had hoped may end up working in Liverpool’s favor. Not only will players return to duty much sooner, they may also find themselves with new motivation to impress their stars and make up for their absence.
The same could be said for compatriots Ryan Gravenbirch and Kodi Gakpo. They also return to Liverpool with a point to prove. But none more so than Van Dijk, whose career at Anfield is entering the twilight years.
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