Van Dijk on potential departure of vice-captain “I want him to stay” | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk Makes Andy Robertson Future Clear as Tottenham Talks Continue

Virgil van Dijk has made clear his desire for Andy Robertson to remain at Liverpool, as negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur continue ahead of the January transfer deadline. Speaking after the Reds’ 3–2 defeat to Bournemouth, the club captain underlined the importance of his vice-captain while also addressing growing concerns over fatigue, form and consistency.

The comments, originally reported by Paul Gorst in the Echo, come at a pivotal moment in Liverpool’s season, with Champions League qualification at stake and uncertainty surrounding one of their most influential players.

With Tottenham monitoring the situation closely and Robertson weighing up his future, Van Dijk’s intervention offers insight into both the mood inside the dressing room and the club’s broader priorities.

Photo: IMAGO

Van Dijk stance on Robertson contract talks

Robertson had been in discussions with Liverpool over a new contract before Tottenham made an unexpected approach earlier this week. Talks between the two clubs remain ongoing, with no resolution reached so far.

The Scotland international, who has spent more than eight years at Anfield, is understood to be keen on securing regular first-team football as he prepares for his country’s first World Cup since 1998 later this year.

Van Dijk confirmed that he has spoken regularly with his long-time teammate and made his personal position clear.

“Of course I speak to him,” Van Dijk said. “I speak to him every day, he’s my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let’s see.

“Do I expect him to be here on Wednesday [for the Qarabag game]? That’s not on me, is it? Let’s speak about [my best memories of him] when [a move] happens.”

The remarks underline how highly Robertson remains valued within the squad. Despite Tottenham’s interest, Liverpool continue to recognise his contribution since arriving from Hull City in 2017, during which he has played a central role in major domestic and European successes.

Leadership role during uncertain season

Since becoming club captain, Van Dijk has increasingly taken responsibility for managing difficult moments, both on and off the pitch. The uncertainty surrounding Robertson’s future represents another test of his leadership.

Liverpool’s campaign has been marked by inconsistency, injuries and fluctuating performances. In that context, retaining experienced figures such as Robertson is viewed as vital to maintaining stability.

Van Dijk’s public backing sends a strong message to supporters and teammates alike. It reinforces the idea that, internally, the priority remains continuity rather than short-term disruption.

At the same time, Tottenham’s interest highlights the competitive market Liverpool are operating within. Under Thomas Frank, Spurs have been proactive in strengthening their squad, and Robertson’s situation reflects how rival clubs are seeking to capitalise on uncertainty.

For Liverpool, balancing loyalty to senior players with long-term squad planning remains a delicate task.

Bournemouth defeat and fatigue concerns

Van Dijk was speaking after Liverpool’s 13-game unbeaten run ended with a dramatic loss at Bournemouth. Amine Adli scored with the final kick of the match after goals from Evanilson and Alex Jimenez were cancelled out by Van Dijk’s header and a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick.

The defeat represented a significant setback in the race for Champions League qualification. Van Dijk admitted that physical and mental fatigue played a major role, following a demanding 3–0 win over Marseille in midweek.

“What can explain tiredness? What do you think? Last season we did not have many injuries. Look at the last line in the last minutes of the game, that says quite a lot.

“Tiredness, yeah. Listen, they created chances because we were very open at times. If you then don’t make the right decision in possession, you can get counter-attacked.”

He also addressed concerns over Liverpool’s league position.

“I don’t start to worry personally [about the top-four race] But the matter of fact is about what we do in the week. We are trying to find consistency and we still don’t have it, that is something we need to focus on.”

The comments reflect a squad struggling to balance intensity with control, particularly when forced to chase games late on.

Tottenham context and Liverpool accountability

Van Dijk also accepted personal responsibility for aspects of the Bournemouth defeat, underlining the standards he sets for himself and his teammates.

“It was tough. I’m disappointed. The first goal, I take full responsibility for that even though it was a very difficult ball to judge.

“The second goal, we can all speak and say we should have kicked the ball out, we should have done this. But to concede like that puts ourselves in a position where we have to work even harder than ever.”

He continued by reflecting on the emotional swings of elite football.

“I will always take that responsibility. Today is difficult because you lose, in a difficult season already. We have to turn that feeling around as quickly as possible to get the job done on Wednesday. That is the life.

“Last Wednesday we had a lot of praise, team and personal, and everything was all good. Today, the flip side, all the other things will be mentioned because it’s the life we live. We have to take responsibility and I will definitely take responsibility.”

These remarks highlight why Liverpool are so keen to retain leaders such as Van Dijk and Robertson. With Tottenham pressing and the January window nearing its conclusion, decisions made now could shape the remainder of the campaign.

For Van Dijk, the message is clear: he wants Robertson to stay, he wants standards to rise, and he wants Liverpool to respond quickly. Whether that vision aligns with the realities of the transfer market remains to be seen.