Topics: Liverpool, Real Madrid, Champions League, Virgil Van Dijk, Premier League, Football
Virgil van Dijk was directly asked by a Spanish journalist if he plans to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid following Wednesday's Champions League clash at Anfield.
Liverpool beat Madrid 2-0 on Merseyside to book their place in the next round of the Champions League, leaving the defending champions in a precarious position.
Madrid are now 24th in the standings and at real risk of an early elimination from Europe, prompting reports that head coach Carlo Ancelotti could be sacked if things get any worse.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are flying under new boss Arne Slot and have taken 17 wins from 19 games in all competitions this season.
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They're now favourites to win both the Premier League and Champions League, raising hopes among supporters that several of the club's best players will commit their long-term futures to the Reds.
Van Dijk, 33, is one of three key players – along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold – who is out of contract at the end of the season.
There has been speculation the Dutchman could leave in the summer, with Barcelona touted as one potential destination for the Netherlands international.
Real Madrid are also in need of defensive reinforcements, with David Alaba and Eder Militao currently out injured.
After the defeat to Liverpool, Van Dijk was directly asked by a journalist for Spanish outlet El Chiringuito if he plans to leave the Reds.
"Wow, what a direct question. They don't ask me that direct [in England]," joked Van Dijk.
"At the moment, there is nothing I can say. The only thing I can say is that I'm fully focussed on [Liverpool's next game against] Man City."
The journalist then replied: "Real Madrid need defenders. Alaba, Militao all are injured."
To which Van Dijk replied: "[Antonio] Rudiger is there?"
The Spanish journalist then continued his line of questioning, adding: "Maybe you in Real Madrid?"
Van Dijk replied: "When?", to which the journalist said: "In the summer."
The defender then repeated himself: "Wow. I don't know, the main focus for me is facing Man City."
Van Dijk's cryptic response and reluctance to publicly commit his future to Liverpool has worried some supporters on social media.
"Can Liverpool hurry up and tie down Van Dijk. Absolutely insane he can talk to the likes of Real Madrid in just 5 weeks," posted one fan on X.
While another added: "He won't say no to Madrid."
Liverpool fans may have no reason to be concerned, however, with a fresh report on Thursday claiming Van Dijk is set to remain at Anfield.
While Van Dijk is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January, Anfield Watch claim the Dutchman's agent is 'telling interested parties that he's no longer attainable'.
The report claims that it's now a 'formality' that Van Dijk will sign a new deal, even suggesting that it may have already been signed but is yet to be publicly announced by the Premier League club.
