Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has confirmed that he is in talks with the club regarding a new contract. The 33-year-old Dutch centre-back, who joined Liverpool in January 2018, has a contract expiring at the end of the current season.
"Discussions are ongoing, we will see what happens in the future," Van Dijk said, adding, "My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have started and we will see."
Van Dijk has been a key player for Liverpool since his £75 million transfer from Southampton. During his time at Anfield, he has helped the club win major titles including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
This season, under new manager Arne Slot, also from the Netherlands, Liverpool have made a strong start, securing seven wins from their opening eight Premier League matches. Van Dijk has been pivotal in their defensive success, with the team conceding only three goals so far, the best defensive record in the league.
"I feel good, physically, mentally and I am having fun," Van Dijk said after Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday. "When it's time to make a decision, you guys [the media] will know it as well."
Van Dijk’s defensive partnership with Ibrahima Konate has contributed to six clean sheets in 10 games this season. While Van Dijk and the defensive unit have received credit for their performances, he emphasized the collective effort. "I wouldn't say it's [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, it's the guys in front of us, it's a team effort."
Liverpool fans have been eager for updates not only on Van Dijk's contract situation but also on those of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, whose contracts also expire next summer. However, no updates have been provided on their futures yet.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot highlighted Van Dijk's leadership role within the team, both on and off the pitch. "What you guys don't see and what I do see is how important he also is on the training ground," Slot said. "He's always the one that's most loud during the sessions, he always brings a lot of energy into our sessions and quality as well. He's definitely our leader."
