Liverpool set to present contract offer to Virgil van Dijk – Report

Liverpool is eager to offer Virgil van Dijk a new contract, but the final decision regarding his future will be his, sources told Football Insider.

On the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke disclosed that Liverpool plans to meet with the defender to discuss the possibility of a new contract this year.

At 33 years old, Van Dijk continues to be a crucial part of Arne Slot’s squad and has demonstrated his value this season with strong performances, including a notable display against Manchester United where he asserted his presence during a confrontation with Lisandro Martinez.

Van Dijk is a “huge” presence both on and off the field, and within the Liverpool dressing room, making the club’s leadership hesitant to let their captain depart on a free transfer.

As he enters the final year of his contract at Anfield, Van Dijk will be able to negotiate with foreign clubs about a potential free transfer starting in January.

Liverpool eager for Virgil van Dijk to agree to a new contract following discussions

Having joined Liverpool in January 2018, Van Dijk has become one of the club’s most pivotal players, with 273 appearances and contributing to their victories in the Champions League, Club World Cup, Premier League, FA Cup, and three League Cups.

His role in Liverpool’s defense remains significant under Slot, just as it was under Jurgen Klopp, and the new manager is eager to retain him.

With his contract expiring next summer, Van Dijk will assess whether he has accomplished everything at Anfield and might consider pursuing a new challenge.

Before talks with the club, sources indicate that Van Dijk will decide his future based on whether Liverpool can meet his aspirations.

After Euro 2024, Van Dijk mentioned in an interview that he would “think carefully” about his club future and avoided making any early commitments.

Meanwhile, Football Insider reported in July that Liverpool is “desperate” to avoid a “disaster” next summer, as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are also set for contract negotiations.

Additionally, West Ham is pursuing a deal to acquire Joel Matip.