Liverpool were put on alert on Sunday when Mohamed Salah openly said that he is yet to be given a new contract.
Salah had just dismantled Manchester United at Old Trafford and wanted to make the world aware of his current situation.
From Liverpool’s perspective, it was quite embarrassing. Salah has been one of the greatest players in the Premier League this season and appears completely deserving of a new contract at Anfield.
Salah is not the only big star at Liverpool whose contract is about to expire. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are in exactly the same situation.
While Alexander-Arnold may be creating the most concern among fans, Van Dijk certainly has to be addressed as well. Now, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has put some fascinating insight on the situation.
Ronaldo Koeman shares Virgil van Dijk’s talk
Van Dijk is not just an excellent Liverpool player, but he is also an invaluable member of his country’s squad.
The 33-year-old captain of each side should play an important role in their respective future plans.
So, when Van Dijk stated that he was pondering his future at both the club and international levels following this summer’s European Championship, Koeman confessed that he was placed on notice.
According to De Telegraaf, the former Everton manager traveled to Liverpool to discuss Van Dijk’s future after hearing his comments.
“I noticed how Virgil was in it, so I thought it was so important to visit him,” Koeman admits.
“But he suggested that he intends to go for it for another two years, till the World Cup.
“I have the same feeling with him, despite the fact that he didn’t reach his level at the last European Championships.”
What does this mean for Van Dijk and Liverpool?
Although it has no direct impact on Van Dijk’s Liverpool career, this is worth mentioning from Koeman.
According to reports, Virgil intends to continue serving the Netherlands, most likely as captain, for another roughly two years, until the summer of 2026.
As things stand, it would be one full season after his current deal with Liverpool expires.
As a result, we can conclude that Van Dijk expects to continue playing at the highest level for at least another two years. He is not prepared to accept a pay day in Saudi Arabia.
This is also plainly demonstrated in the defender’s performances. Van Dijk remains one of the top defenders in the world and is critical to Liverpool’s success. Given these comments, they must immediately sit down with Van Dijk.
