LIVERPOOL FACE KEY DECISION AS VAN DIJK’S CONTRACT NEARS EXPIRY

Liverpool and captain Virgil van Dijk face an important decision over his future, with the defender’s contract due to expire next summer.

The 35-year-old says he is relaxed about the situation and will assess his options as the season progresses.

“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,” he said.

Van Dijk signed his current two-year deal in April 2025 and remains central to Liverpool’s defence. He has played every Premier League minute since the start of last season, while developing a partnership with summer signing Jeremy Jacquet.

A minor fitness issue has kept him out of the latest Netherlands squad, but it is not considered a major concern.

His influence also extends beyond performances. As captain, Van Dijk remains a prominent dressing-room leader and recently encouraged the squad to visit Liverpool’s museum to learn more about the club’s history.

However, Liverpool must balance that experience against his age and a salary reportedly around £400,000 a week.

The club will also be mindful of Mohamed Salah’s decline in output last season after an outstanding previous campaign.

Liverpool have younger defenders available, including Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, but losing Van Dijk would leave a significant leadership gap. Joe Gomez’s contract is also approaching expiry.

Sporting director Julian Ward must now weigh the value of retaining an influential captain against the club’s longer-term defensive plans.