Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has confirmed that “discussions are ongoing” over a new contract to keep him at Anfield.
The Netherlands international defender’s current deal expires at the end of the season, but sporting director Richard Hughes is leading negotiations with the player’s agent over an extension.
“I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future,” Van Dijk said.
“My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started and we will see.”
The 33-year-old has been in outstanding form so far this season — leading Arne Slot’s side to the top of the Premier League with just three goals conceded in eight matches.
Asked if he saw himself playing at the highest level into his late 30s, Van Dijk said: “I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.
“Discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys (the media) will know it as well. But now my full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season.
“My own form is fine. I will let others do the talking. I don’t want to talk about myself. It is not me who is not conceding, it is all of us who are not conceding.”
Sunday’s hard-fought win over Chelsea was the perfect way to kick-off a crunch run of fixtures with Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Leipzig followed by Sunday’s clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
“It’s a very tough run of games and also what makes it difficult is we travel a lot, it’s about staying fit, keeping the rhythm, I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“This is what you want to do. You want to play on the highest level against the best teams and perform and show what you can do. So let’s go for it. I want to be successful. I want to win trophies in every competition we’re in.”
Van Dijk also paid tribute to Curtis Jones who was Liverpool’s match-winner against Chelsea.
“It’s been an amazing period for him on a personal level. Of course becoming a dad for the first time and I am happy everything went well there,” he added.
“That is the most important thing and then he was man of the match. As well as scoring the winner, he was outstanding in the defensive work he did. He kept Cole Palmer very quiet and I think that is what pleased me the most.”
Van Dijk quotes show talks progress
It’s the first time that Van Dijk has acknowledged publicly that talks are taking place over a new contract.
Earlier in the season he batted away questions over his future by saying there was “no change” in his situation.
The Liverpool captain stopped short of guaranteeing that he will still be at Anfield next season when he stopped to speak to reporters after Sunday’s game — that was to be expected as negotiations continue over both the terms and length of an extension.
However, the noises were certainly positive. Van Dijk has left nobody in any doubt about how much he’s relishing leading Liverpool into a new era under Arne Slot. He doesn’t want to move on next summer.
And from Liverpool’s perspective, the evidence from his performances so far this season have been compelling. At the age of 33, Van Dijk remains a class act. He’s showing no signs of slowing down and getting their talismanic skipper tied down for another two or three years is increasingly a no-brainer.
(Top photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
