Virgil van Dijk breaks silence on future as Liverpool 'make contract decision'

Virgil van Dijk has outlined his future plans after Liverpool reportedly made a decision on the defender’s contract situation.

Since joining the club from Southampton back in 2018, Van Dijk has become Liverpool’s defensive rock and established himself as one of the best of his generation.

However, heading into the 24/25 season at the age of 33, Van Dijk’s future is currently up in the air as his Anfield contract is set to expire in June.

On Saturday night, Van Dijk captained the Netherlands as they sealed a 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League.

As reported by The Echo, Van Dijk spoke about his future plans after the match.

He said: “At both teams I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader! And I certainly want to remain that for the next two years. I am human, I have emotions too. You start thinking all kinds of things. Especially just after a game like the elimination (by England) in the very last minute.

“I also understand that it came across as unclear on how I stood in all this because after the match I was so disappointed and full of emotion. It perhaps came across as if it had been my last international match. I did have doubts that night and I did hint at that.”

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Van Dijk continued: “It's very good that I went on holiday the next day, was able to spend time with my children, my family, which is the most important thing in my life. I was able to share it and then very quickly things calmed down.”

Over the weekend, it was claimed that Liverpool are ready to offer a new contract to their captain.

As reported by Football Insider, Liverpool’s hierarchy are not willing to let Van Dijk walk away for free next summer and are keen for the 33-year-old to pen a new deal.

The report stated: “Ahead of sit-down talks with the club, sources say Van Dijk will make his own decision about where his future lies and whether they can still match his ambitions.”