Virgil van Dijk contract update: Liverpool captain has 'decided' future amidst interest from European giant

The Dutch defender led the Netherlands out against Spain in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening but his team were eliminated after a penalty shootout.

Van Dijk was also eliminated from the Champions League after the Reds lost on penalties against PSG in the round of 16 on March 11, and the centre-back was also part of the Liverpool side that were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final on March 16.

Though the Reds captain will likely lead Liverpool to Premier League title, fans could be seeing the last of him on Merseyside give his contract expires in the summer window.

Fichajes claim that Van Dijk has ultimately decided to leave the club upon the expiry of his deal and report that PSG are in negotiations with the 33-year-old.

What would Liverpool lose?

Van Dijk arrived at Anfield in January 2018 and the club reached the Champions League final in his first six months before winning the competition in 2018-19 and claiming their first Premier League title in 2019-20.

Barring the 2022-23 season, the Reds have competed for the league in every campaign that the Dutchman has played a significant role in.

Losing Van Dijk for free could be devasting given his ability to command a high line, aggressively step out from defence and beak lines with his passing.

It should be noted that while his teammate Ibrahima Konate has enjoyed an excellent season in defence himself, the Frenchman has frequently been beset by injuries, whereas Van Dijk has consistently been available for selection.

Why Van Dijk's departure could have wider ramifications on Liverpool

Liverpool will undoubtedly have to look at signing a replacement for Van Dijk should he depart Anfield, but his exit could scupper boss Arne Slot's plans this summer.

The Dutch manager is likely to want to sign an additional midfielder following his failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi in the summer of 2024, while forwards Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have been strongly linked with exits.

Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both set to leave for free given their contracts also expire in the summer, and replacing so many players in one window may prove financially prohibitive.

Written by

Lewis Nolan