Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk’s future is still a major talking point at Anfield and now an important new update has emerged courtesy of the Dutchman himself.
Van Dijk’s future up in the air as Liverpool fall at Fulham
The 33-year-old has enjoyed an all-conquering season at the heart of the Reds’ defence, made even more impressive by the fact that his contract situation has created endless column inches.
Van Dijk’s current Liverpool deal expires at the end of the campaign, and despite seemingly appearing happy at Liverpool, he is yet to sign an extension, nor have there been any truly concrete reports of a deal being close.
On Sunday, the Reds legend produced arguably his poorest performance of the season so far, making mistakes and being out muscled by Rodrigo Muniz for Fulham’s third goal in their 3-2 victory in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.
Van Dijk seemed strangely off the boil throughout, with This Is Anfield‘s James Nalton giving him a negative assessment in his player ratings, saying: “Muniz outmanoeuvred him with a great touch for Fulham’s third goal as a below-par spell of form continued for Van Dijk as well as Konate.
“He helped out his centre-back partner following the early error, but was himself at fault later on. Improved once Liverpool went all-out-attack, and there are few defenders you’d trust more to defend on their own in such a scenario, but the damage had already been done.”
Audio tape of Van Dijk speaking about Liverpool contract talks
On Monday, reliable reporter Lewis Steele shared the audio of what Van Dijk has said about his Liverpool future, with the centre-back admitting “there is progress” on the situation, adding that “internal discussions” are continuing as he spoke with reporters in the mixed zone at Craven Cottage.
Van Dijk is clearly still remaining relatively coy about what will happen next, but it is still encouraging to hear that some progress has been made, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially off to Real Madrid this summer.
If Liverpool only lost one of their captain, vice-captain and Mohamed Salah, it may be an outcome that supporters would just about accept, and at this point, it might be considered a shock if Van Dijk leaves.
While his last few performances haven’t been his best – he was lucky not to gift Beto a goal in the Reds’ 1-0 win at home to Everton last week – he has still enjoyed an exceptional season, and remains arguably the world’s leading centre-back.
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Liverpool’s 26-game unbeaten run in the Premier League was ended on an error-strewn afternoon at Craven Cottage.
Losing him this summer would be an almighty blow to anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, not least Arne Slot, and the hope is that an agreement is reached as soon as possible.
