Slot: “The Only Thing I Know Is I Want Van Dijk Here Next Season” | OneFootball

Van Dijk’s Contract Future Uncertain as Slot Pushes for Stay

Van Dijk Casts Doubt Over His Liverpool Future

Virgil van Dijk has added further uncertainty to his Liverpool future, admitting that he is unsure whether he will remain at Anfield beyond the summer. The Dutch defender, whose contract talks are ongoing, offered a candid response following Liverpool’s Champions League exit, stating, “I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”

This revelation has sparked concern among supporters, especially given the possibility of losing not just Van Dijk but also Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the same transfer window. With Van Dijk’s deal set to expire in 2025, discussions over an extension are becoming a crucial matter for Liverpool’s hierarchy.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Stance on His Captain’s Future

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has made no secret of his desire to keep Van Dijk at the club. Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Slot was asked about the uncertainty surrounding his captain’s future. “The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season. All the rest, talks about his contract, that’s not what I do over here,” he stated.

When pressed on whether the unresolved contract situation affects his planning for next season, Slot responded: “Interesting way of asking things! No, it doesn’t, not for me.”

However, despite Slot’s insistence that the ongoing speculation does not disrupt his planning, it is clear that losing Van Dijk would require a fundamental shift in Liverpool’s defensive structure. The Dutchman has been an irreplaceable figure since arriving from Southampton in 2018, and his leadership on and off the pitch remains invaluable.

Liverpool’s Crucial Weeks Ahead

Liverpool find themselves at a crossroads with their key players. Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold all face uncertain futures, making the upcoming period crucial in determining the direction of the club under Slot. While Salah remains a goal machine, already reaching 32 goals this season, Alexander-Arnold’s situation appears different, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring his contract status.

Liverpool’s extended break after the Carabao Cup final could provide the perfect window for progress in negotiations. With 17 days before their next fixture, the Merseyside derby at Anfield, the club has time to assess their squad’s future and make headway in securing the long-term commitments of their biggest stars.

Can Liverpool Afford to Lose Van Dijk?

For Slot, retaining Van Dijk is a top priority, and understandably so. At 33, the centre-back remains a dominant force in Liverpool’s backline. His departure would leave a significant void, one that could demand a major defensive rebuild.

The club faces a defining period, with contract discussions set to shape the next chapter of Liverpool’s evolution under Slot. For now, all eyes remain on Van Dijk, as fans anxiously wait for clarity on whether their captain will continue to lead them into the future.