A leading journalist recently suggested that it’s “almost inevitable” that Liverpool will lose a key player without receiving a transfer fee. This speculation comes as the contracts of three crucial first-team members—Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—enter their final year. *The Athletic* has taken a deep dive into each player’s situation, beginning with the team captain, Virgil van Dijk.
Journalist Gregg Evans examines van Dijk’s current stance with the club. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, van Dijk remains deeply committed to Liverpool. His focus is unwavering as he aims to add more silverware to Liverpool’s already impressive collection during his time at Anfield. However, there are significant challenges that could make van Dijk’s future at the club uncertain.
One of the main hurdles is Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which has a track record of being cautious about extending contracts for players approaching their mid-thirties. Van Dijk will be nearly 34 when his current deal comes to an end, making it unusual for FSG to offer a new contract. Evans suggests that the most probable scenario is that Liverpool may eventually lose van Dijk on a free transfer at the conclusion of his contract, regardless of when that happens.
From a business standpoint, FSG may be reluctant to extend van Dijk’s contract, especially considering his current wage of £220,000 per week. The fact that he recently turned 33 only adds to the hesitancy. Despite these concerns, van Dijk remains an indispensable part of Liverpool’s squad. He plays a crucial role not just on the pitch but also in the dressing room, providing leadership and experience that are invaluable to the team.
Van Dijk is known for his dedication to maintaining peak physical condition. He frequently uses the club’s facilities after hours to ensure he remains in top form. Furthermore, he is a mentor to younger players, guiding them both on and off the field, which enhances his value to the team beyond his defensive skills.
The uncertainty regarding Liverpool’s central defensive options further complicates the situation. With Sepp van den Berg possibly heading to Brentford in a £30 million deal and Aston Villa expressing interest in Joe Gomez, Liverpool could find themselves with limited options at the back. This potential shortage in central defense only adds to the complexity of deciding van Dijk’s future.
If Liverpool were to offer van Dijk a two-year contract extension, it would secure his presence at the club until 2027, giving Liverpool ample time to plan for his eventual replacement. This strategy could allow for a smoother transition when the time comes for van Dijk to step down as the team’s defensive leader. Even if he were to leave on a free transfer in three years, the situation might be more manageable if a successor is ready to take over by then.
