Liverpool contract update: Why fans should not panic about Virgil van Dijk Barcelona links

The Dutchman led his side to a 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, and the centre-back performed excellently despite coming under significant pressure in the second half.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, fans have become increasingly worried that the Reds' captain could leave the club for a European rival like Barcelona, who have been linked with the defender in recent weeks.

When asked about whether there has been an update in regard to a potential departure, Lynch told Sports Mole that there has been no movement as Van Dijk's priority is to stay at Liverpool, saying: "Not as far as I'm aware. I don't believe there's anything in that. My understanding very much is that Virgil van Dijk wants to stay at Liverpool, and that is recent information.

"My firm understanding is that is his priority. I've not been given the impression from sources, and this is both club side and player side, that there's any massive concern yet about the contract situation. Nobody's panicking yet.

"I would take all those reports with a pinch of salt at the moment. It's very much committed on all sides to getting this done."

Van Dijk has publicly expressed his desire to stay at Anfield, much like forward Mohamed Salah has, and it would be surprising if the club did not make every effort to keep the defender on Merseyside.

Why there is no reason to leave Liverpool

Liverpool are currently first in the Premier League and could move 10 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal should they beat Aston Villa on Wednesday, though the Gunners will then have a game in hand.

The team also look like one of the favourites to win the Champions League given they finished first in the league phase, beating the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.

Lynch spoke of Van Dijk's love of Liverpool and the admiration he holds for the direction the club seem to be heading in when he told Sports Mole: "Liverpool want to get that extension locked down, and so does the player himself. He loves being Liverpool captain, loves playing for Liverpool.

"He's happy with the direction things are going, where you look at the position Liverpool are in this season. [Anfield] looks like the place to be."

Van Dijk has already won the Premier League and Champions League with the Merseysiders and he will have the opportunity to lift the EFL Cup for a third time in March when Liverpool face Newcastle United in the competition's final at Wembley.

What would life without Van Dijk look like?

Van Dijk was left out of the Liverpool squad that lost 1-0 against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on February 9, and the Reds can have no complaints about the result considering they were undoubtedly second best.

Wataru Endo and Jarell Quansah played the majority of the match in the heart of defence, and their performances were notably below the levels that Van Dijk has displayed, leading some fans to worry about the future makeup of Liverpool's backline.

However, Lynch appealed for calm amongst fans as there is no indication that the Dutchman is certain to leave, telling Sports Mole: "They all want to get it done as soon as possible, and so if everyone's relaxed around it, that gives you an insight into where they're at. These things take time.

"It's a shame it's been delayed so long and that it's taken so long - albeit they typically do. We just don't usually hear about the process. It's not this public, generally speaking.

"There's a real desire on all sides to get this done. Liverpool want to get that extension locked down, and so does the player himself."

Little has gone wrong for Liverpool this season, and despite the continued speculation regarding his future, Van Dijk will only be focused on bringing more silverware back to Anfield in 2024-25.

Written by

Lewis Nolan