As if watching Virgil van Dijk chat with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi after Liverpool’s Champions League exit wasn’t unsettling enough for Reds fans, his post-match remarks about his future have only added to the anxiety at Anfield.
The 33-year-old was spotted deep in conversation with Al-Khelaifi late on Tuesday night, and while no one knows exactly what was said, the timing is alarming — especially with Van Dijk’s contract set to expire in just over three months.
To make matters worse for Liverpool supporters desperate to see him stay, Van Dijk offered no assurances when asked about his future after the game, leaving things wide open.
What exactly did Van Dijk say about his future at Liverpool?
According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Van Dijk remained tight-lipped about any contract talks and, although gracious in defeat to PSG, admitted he’s unsure whether he’ll still be a Liverpool player by summer’s end.
Speaking after the match, Van Dijk said:
> “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment. It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. There’s just… I keep saying the same thing.”
“Listen, there are 10 games to go, and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. I don’t even know myself. Everyone knows there are conversations behind the scenes, but that’s about it.”
“At this point, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they’re lying to your face.”
Liverpool simply cannot afford to lose Van Dijk this summer.
Even though it’s possible Van Dijk wants to remain at the club and is negotiating quietly behind the scenes, his vague comments offer no comfort to anxious fans.
Sporting director Richard Hughes seems to be preparing for life without Van Dijk, as Liverpool have been linked to several centre-backs recently — including Dean Huijsen, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Joel Ordoñez. Given Van Dijk’s age, such forward planning is understandable.
Still, considering how injury-hit Liverpool’s defense has been — with Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, and Trent Alexander-Arnold currently sidelined, and Ibrahima Konaté having missed the final stretch of 2024 — the team is in no position to let a leader like Van Dijk walk away without a solid replacement lined up.
Letting him leave on a free transfer this summer would be a devastating blow, especially as his form has remained outstanding, arguably reaching the high standards of his prime years between 2018 and 2020.
Unfortunately, it looks like fans may have to wait a bit longer to learn Van Dijk’s fate. But if he does end up signing a new contract and staying put for a few more years, that patience will have been well worth it.
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