Virgil van Dijk contract update: Liverpool 'preparing' to offer captain new deal

The Netherlands international has made 273 competitive appearances since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018.

The defender has helped the Merseyside club win multiple trophies, including the 2018-19 Champions League and the 2019-20 Premier League title.

While he may have turned 33 in the summer, Van Dijk remains a key part of the Liverpool squad and is still one of the first names on the teamsheet.

However, there is some doubt as to whether the Liverpool captain will be at the club beyond the end of the 2024-25 season.

Liverpool ready to offer Van Dijk fresh contract

As it stands, Liverpool are running the risk of losing Van Dijk on a free transfer with the defender's contract set to expire next summer.

Last month, Van Dijk admitted that there had been "no change" in his contract situation, but he insisted he is "very calm" despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are keen to offer Van Dijk a new contract and are set to hold talks with the Dutchman before the end of the year.

While the Reds are ready to table a new contract offer, they will sit down with Van Dijk to ascertain whether he is willing to extend his stay with the club.

The centre-back will ultimately have to decide whether he wants to remain at Anfield or seek a fresh challenge in the latter stages of his career.

What about Salah and Alexander-Arnold?

If Liverpool are unable to agree a new contract, Van Dijk will be allowed to start talking to foreign clubs about a pre-contract agreement from the start of next year.

Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both in similar positions, with their respective contracts set to expire at the end of the season.

A recent report claimed that Liverpool are determined to agree a new deal with Salah before the end of the calendar year.

As for Alexander-Arnold, the Reds are hopeful they can reach an agreement over a new long-term contract as they look to ward off interest from Real Madrid.