A year-and-a-half after joining Liverpool from Southampton, Virgil van Dijk has reportedly told the club he is eager to commit to an even longer contract.
Van Dijk has swiftly established himself as one of the most important players on Merseyside, if not the most, since his £75 million switch at the beginning of 2018.
The Dutchman was the only outfield player to start every game for the Reds in the Premier League this season, and followed up his PFA Player of the Year award by lifting the Champions League trophy.
A rock at the back for Jurgen Klopp‘s side, there is no doubt interest in Van Dijk from every top-level side in the world.
But according to ESPN‘s Melissa Reddy, there is no danger of the 27-year-old leaving any time soon—in fact, it is quite the opposite.
Reddy reports that Van Dijk “has told Liverpool he wants to sign a new contract,” as he is “enthusiastic about further solidifying his commitment.”
Believed to have agreed a five-and-a-half-year deal on his move from St Mary’s, therefore expiring in 2023, all parties are said to be “relaxed about the process.”
“There is confidence that terms will eventually be thrashed out with minimal fuss,” Reddy adds, and negotiations are unlikely to begin until later in the summer, with Van Dijk now with the Netherlands squad for the UEFA Nations League.
Clearly, Van Dijk signing a new contract would be huge news, and would follow the likes of Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in pledging their futures to Liverpool.
He is reported to be earning around £150,000 a week on his current deal, on par with Mane and behind only Firmino (£180,000 a week) and Salah (£200,000 a week) in the squad.
The Reds will free up considerable wages this transfer window, with Simon Mignolet (£60,000 a week) expected to leave and both Alberto Moreno (£40,000 a week) and Daniel Sturridge (£120,000 a week) already confirmed to exit.
Joel Matip and James Milner will be offered new terms, though, as will Divock Origi, however the Belgian is uncertain as to whether he will extend.
“I don’t know if I’m going to stay but I’m concentrating now on the two games with [Belgium] and after that I’ll think about my future and make a decision,” Origi told reporters on Wednesday.
“I don’t want to talk too much about my future right now, but Liverpool know my qualities and the club have recently made an offer of a contract extension. That’s the first step.”
He told Sky Sports, however, that “hopefully the talks between me, the club and my people will be positive.”
Fan Comments