Virgil van Dijk congratulates Trey Nyoni after his goal for Liverpool against Sevilla
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued an update on his future - and admitted he's yet to receive a formal contract offer from the club.
The Dutch defender was part of Liverpool's penultimate pre-season clash against Sevilla on Sunday at Anfield, which Arne Slot's side won 4-1. A Luis Diaz brace, coupled with goals from Diogo Jota and Trey Nyoni saw the Reds past the La Liga side, in what was an excellent display from the Reds against decent opposition.
Then, just hours later, the Reds faced off against Las Palmas at Anfield again, only this time, the game was behind closed doors. It was a drab affair, with Liverpool going close on a few occasions through Andy Robertson, Ben Doak and Darwin Nunez. However, the contest with Las Palmas finished 0-0, drawing Liverpool's pre-season to a close.
Next week, the Reds will open their Premier League campaign against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, in what will be Slot's competitive debut as Liverpool boss. And if the Dutchman wants to enjoy a successful first season on Merseyside following Jurgen Klopp, he will be hoping his compatriot van Dijk remains at the top of his game.
However, this could be the 33-year-old defender's final season at Anfield, with van Dijk out of contract in the summer. And speaking after the pre-season double-header, the Liverpool skipper revealed he has yet to be offered a new deal.
"There are no changes at the moment," van Dijk told reporters at Anfield following the pre-season friendlies, groaning in a joke-y manner before answering, per The Times.
While not an indication that van Dijk's time at Anfield will come to a close at the end of the upcoming season, the Liverpool skipper will be able to negotiate freely with other teams in January 2025. He will also be 34 at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, which will likely factor into Liverpool's decision over his future.
It also is not the only contract issue Liverpool are having to deal with at the moment either. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are also out of contract next summer. And the thought of the Reds beginning the season after next without any of those three will be a grim prospect for Liverpool supporters.
Liverpool.com says: It will be interesting to see how this season with van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Salah pans out. While Alexander-Arnold's contract talks will likely take precedent due to his age, the Reds cannot afford to lose both van Dijk and Salah if they remain anywhere close to their lofty levels on a free.
Father time is undefeated, and players will regress. But if both van Dijk and Salah impress at the beginning of the season for Slot, you would have to think that could force Liverpool's hand, allowing them to avoid an awkward summer next year.
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