Liverpool and Van Dijk have a decision to make

Van Dijk's contract expires next summer; the Liverpool captain says he is relaxed about his future but both he and the club must decide whether to extend his deal.

Virgil van Dijk's contract at Liverpool expires next summer, and while the 35-year-old captain insists he is in no panic about the situation, it remains a key topic for the club. "Let's see what the season brings. I've had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that's the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else," Van Dijk told reporters at Crystal Palace.

Two years ago, Van Dijk faced a similar situation and signed a two-year extension in April 2025. His comments suggest he wants to stay, but Liverpool must weigh the decision carefully. Despite being 35, Van Dijk has maintained elite standards this season, averaging 60.7 successful passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League, with a 75% duel success rate and 79% in aerial duels.

A minor niggle has affected him recently and he missed an international window with the Netherlands, but it is not a major concern.

Liverpool's hierarchy will be keen to avoid repeating the Mohamed Salah situation, where contract negotiations dragged on and his form dipped. The club has young centre-backs like Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, but losing Van Dijk would create a significant gap in experience and leadership.

Joe Gomez is also out of contract this summer, and while Liverpool have an option to buy Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, Van Dijk's departure would be a clear loss.