Virgil van Dijk has discussed his Liverpool future, saying there is currently nothing to report on his contract but that this does not mean he is under stress. TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool intend to offer their captain a new deal.
Contract situation and previous extension
Van Dijk’s current Liverpool contract is due to expire next summer. He is 35 years old. Discussions are yet to begin on whether he will extend his stay at Liverpool. Van Dijk joined Liverpool in 2018 and has captained the club since July 2023, following the departure of Jordan Henderson.
Van Dijk previously signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April 2025, when his contract was initially due to expire that summer. At the time, leaving Liverpool did not appeal to him and approaches from other clubs went nowhere.
Van Dijk wants to keep playing
After Liverpool’s most recent Premier League outing, a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, Van Dijk told the press: "I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing so let’s see what the season brings."
He added: "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. There’s nothing to report at the moment but that doesn’t mean that there’s any stress or anything." Van Dijk also said: "I feel good but it’s not about me at the moment. I’m not in any panic whatsoever."
Van Dijk has revealed that he has no intention of retiring when his current Liverpool contract expires, even if a new deal at Anfield is not agreed. On his fitness, he said: "Mentally I’m in a good place, physically I’ve been struggling with a little niggle the last couple of weeks but I do everything in my power to be out there."
Liverpool’s intention and Bailey’s view
According to TEAMtalk’s understanding, Liverpool’s intention is to offer Van Dijk a new deal. TEAMtalk also reported that Van Dijk is once again enjoying a fine season alongside new partner Jeremy Jacquet, while Ronald Araujo’s arrival at right-back has benefitted him, with Liverpool more solid in open play and from set pieces with Araujo in the team.
Speaking on the TEAMtalk podcast about the prospect of a new deal, insider Graeme Bailey said: "Yeah, that is the talk at the moment. Obviously he’s out of contract in the summer, he’s going to be another year older as well." He added: "He signed a huge contract back in 2025. Everyone thought this might be his final farewell tour, but he’s actually had a very good season."
Bailey said: "From what I’m hearing, Andoni Iraola really wants to keep him (Van Dijk) around. Captain figure – it’s like having a coach on the pitch." He added: "He’s not missing any games, he’s playing really well. I’m told there’s every chance he gets another 12 months at least."
Appearances, fitness and younger team-mates
Van Dijk has played every minute for Liverpool in the Premier League so far this season. Last year he also became the oldest outfield player in Premier League history to play every minute of a campaign, surpassing John Terry.
Bailey said: "It’s part of the reason why we’re seeing Jeremy Jacquet playing ever so well. You’ve got [Giovanni] Leoni there as well, the young Italian central defender." He added: "It doesn’t stop them [from] bringing another centre-half in. But learning from Van Dijk, these youngsters… I’m told Jacquet is learning so much playing next to him."
Van Dijk pulled out of the Netherlands squad for the November Nations League game after dealing with a minor issue.
Liverpool are currently fourth in the Premier League going into the international break and eighth in the Champions League group stage table.
