Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk reveals that there has been “no change” to his contract situation after the Reds’ 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that there has been “no change” to his contract situation after the Reds’ 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League.
The Reds skipper is one of three high-profile players now in the last year of his deal with the Merseyside giants, the other two being Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and his future has been the topic of uncertainty ever since Jurgen Klopp confirmed he would be leaving his post.
Van Dijk sent tongues wagging about his next career move when he admitted that he was not sure if he would be part of the post-Klopp era, but he quickly clarified his comments and reaffirmed his commitment to the Reds.
The 33-year-old remains as important as ever at the heart of Arne Slot‘s defence, helping Liverpool keep two clean sheets from their opening two matches in the 2024-25 Premier League season against Ipswich Town and most recently Brentford.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is prioritising the contract situations of Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold, hence Liverpool’s lack of transfer activity this summer, although it is not clear what length of extension the Reds would sanction for the Dutch defender.
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Van Dijk “very calm” about Liverpool contract situation
Nevertheless, speaking to Sky Sports News after Liverpool’s beating of Brentford, Van Dijk insisted that he was “very calm” about the situation but refused to directly commit his future to Slot’s side.
“I am very calm. The thing is, I want to play the best season I can. I want to be important and stay important for the club, Then we will see,” the former Southampton man said.
“Everything happens for a reason but for now, there have been no changes in my situation. I am very calm about it and there is no reason for me to start thinking for something else. I have a whole season left to play.
“I am proud and [Anfield] is home and it is a special place and what I said before, whatever happens in the future, Anfield is a special place in my heart. Let’s see what the season brings.
“I am not playing football to lose or not become successful. It is not guaranteed but I want to win. We know how difficult that is. But playing for Liverpool, one of if not the best clubs in the world, there are expectations. I am really enjoying it so far and there is still so much to improve. Let’s see what the season brings.”
Van Dijk reacts to Anfield century after Brentford success
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The Dutch defender has now played 271 matches for Liverpool in all competitions, and from 100 Premier League games at Anfield, he has been on the losing side on just two occasions.
Elaborating to BBC Match of the Day, Van Dijk admitted that he was still “gutted” about those two defeats but was able to revel in hitting that landmark, adding: “That’s not bad and I am really proud of it.
“I am still gutted about the two losses! I am proud of that. It is home and home should feel very comfortable. Credit to the fans and the team. Let’s make it an amazing season and then we will see.
“I think it was good game. We didn’t concede many chances, scored good goals and so many good things. Maybe a couple of things we have to improve and lots of things we can build on.”
Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture sees the Reds head to Old Trafford to take on long-time rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
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