Overview
- On Tuesday Van Dijk said he was “not in any panic,” that he wants to keep playing and that he would move elsewhere if Liverpool do not extend his contract.
- The 35-year-old withdrew from the Netherlands squad with a minor niggle but has played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign so far this season.
- Multiple insiders report Liverpool are likely to propose a short-term, roughly 12-month deal to retain Van Dijk’s leadership and mentoring role, though no formal offer has been announced.
- Liverpool’s defensive depth is strained because Joe Gomez also faces contract expiry next summer and Giovanni Leoni is out with an ACL injury, which strengthens the case for continuity.
- A final decision is expected later in the season as the club balances the practical benefit of Van Dijk’s presence against his age and FSG’s usual caution on long-term deals for older players.