In response to questions from supporters, renowned The Athletic journalist David Ornstein stated that Virgil van Dijk's contract renewal will only become clear next spring, and that the centre-back should be willing to stay at Liverpool.
Have there been any conversations between Liverpool and Van Dijk regarding a new contract?
Nowadays, renewal negotiations start earlier and earlier. As far as I know, the two parties have not held talks at present, which should come as no surprise to you given the situation at this stage. Liverpool have always tended to keep such matters low-profile, never disclosing the slightest whisper to the outside world until things are finalized.
The last time Van Dijk's contract renewal was put on the agenda, both sides did not reach an agreement until around April. In this upcoming renewal negotiation, Van Dijk's age as well as the size of his current contract will both become factors for consideration. As we know, Liverpool's owners have always been very cautious when offering contracts to players over the age of 30, though they have previously made exceptions for Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
Their previous decisions to extend with these players produced mixed results; in Van Dijk's case, the decision proved to be correct. In Salah's case, however, the effect was average, as he chose to leave when there was still one year remaining on that two-year contract.
Therefore, even if both sides have already initiated some form of dialogue, it would not be surprising; we are simply not aware of it yet. Based on past precedent, I am afraid the situation will only become clear by next spring. Looking at his current form: despite being a veteran, in my view, Van Dijk still maintains an exceptionally impressive competitive level and can still make huge contributions to the team.
If he stays for an additional year after his current contract expires, meaning he would serve until the 2027-28 season, he will have spent a full decade at Anfield since his transfer from Southampton, which I believe is attractive to both the player himself and the club. Of course, the prerequisite is that his performance merits such an extension, and the terms of the contract must be reasonable.
During the last renewal, Van Dijk stated that he only had Liverpool in his heart, which was his sole focus at the time. I speculate that as long as his physical condition allows and his competitive level meets the standard, he himself should also be willing to continue staying with the club. As far as I know, the last renewal process was very harmonious, and both sides engaged in amicable discussions; I think this time will probably be the same. I believe that given his current career stage, it is still too early to discuss whether he will receive a new contract, and this will probably have to wait until early 2027 to be addressed.