Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirms that contract discussions are continuing between the club and central defender Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that contract discussions are continuing between the club and Virgil van Dijk, but it is still unclear whether the centre-back will be signing a new deal at Anfield.
Van Dijk has again been in excellent form for the Reds this season, making 12 appearances in all competitions, but the 33-year-old’s contract at Anfield is due to expire next June.
As it stands, the Netherlands international will be free to enter into talks with foreign clubs in January over a pre-contract, and a number of major teams are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation.
Slot was again asked about Van Dijk ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, and the recently-appointed head coach said that talks were continuing with Van Dijk.
However, he was unable to offer an update on the situations of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the key duo also only having deals with the Merseyside giants until the end of the current campaign.
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Slot confirms ongoing contract discussions with Van Dijk
“For me, the contract situation could become a problem if the players don’t perform well as they do at the moment,” he told reporters.
“Although, of course then it’s also not sure that if they perform not as well anymore, that that has anything to do with their contract situation. At the moment, all three of them are in a good place. They all perform really, really, really well.
“There are ongoing discussions between what Virgil said, the people he had to talk with. And that’s not me, as you know. I talk to him about other things.
“Let’s wait and see. But I think all that he says is completely right as he doesn’t exactly know what his future brings as long as he hasn’t signed the contract.”
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What has Van Dijk said regarding his future?
Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend, Van Dijk insisted that he was “calm” regarding his contract situation, with the Dutchman seemingly yet to make a final decision.
“I’m very calm [about my contract situation]. I’ve said that many times before. Let’s see what happens at the end of the season,” he told Sky Sports News.
“I’m enjoying my football, feeling very good physically and mentally. I feel in a good place. Nothing more can be said. I want to keep enjoying the game, because it’s a beautiful game we play.”
Van Dijk proved to be transformative signing for Liverpool, with the centre-back representing the club on 282 occasions since arriving in January 2018, scoring 25 goals and registering 12 assists in the process.
The Dutchman has won eight trophies during his time at Anfield, including the Premier League and Champions League.