Virgil van Dijk gives most significant Liverpool contract update yet as summer possibility explained

Virgil van Dijk gives most significant Liverpool contract update yet as summer possibility explained

Virgil van Dijk admits he would be prepared to re-sign for Liverpool as a free agent if a new deal cannot be agreed before the end of the season

Virgil van Dijk has been criticised following Liverpool's Champions League exit. (Image: Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images )

Virgil van Dijk admits he would be prepared to re-sign for Liverpool as a free agent if a new deal cannot be agreed before the end of the season. And the Reds captain insists he is "in one of the best shapes" of his career at the age of 33 to justify a contract extension.

Van Dijk, like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is out of contract at the end of the campaign and although talks remain ongoing with his representatives, ROOF, the Netherlands skipper admits it is a protracted issue that might even drag on beyond the end of the term, which closes with a visit from Crystal Palace on May 25.

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The 33-year-old says he is unsure as to what the outcome will be, but reiterated his love for the club and his belief that he can continue contributing at a high level for some time yet. The centre-back stopped short of dismissing reported interest from the Saudi Pro League this week, however.

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"Listen, [possibly waiting until the season is over] is definitely the case, so we will see what happens," Van Dijk says, in a chat with a handful of publications to preview Sunday's Carabao Cup final. "Maybe I will run this [contract] fully down and then there is still no news, I don't know.

"I don't know at this stage and I said that the other day (after PSG game). But I don't want to create any anxiety or anything like that, I just keep my head down and focus on hopefully winning the next 10 games and that is my full focus: to be there for the manager, the players, the fans.

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"So let's see what it brings and I am sure by the end of the season there will be news. But what kind of news I am not sure.

"Well at the moment I can't [see myself at another club] because there are still 10 games to go. I can't think about what is going to happen after the summer.

"Like I said, the most important thing is to stay committed and I am fully committed to Liverpool Football Club at the moment and there is no doubt about that. You can see that, there is no other thing that is about so let's just see.

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"It's not a one, two, three discussion and there we go. There are multiple factors and as long as I am calm to you guys (the media) then there is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future. If I was worried you would see me playing a little bit worried and that is not the case."

Speaking in his Friday press conference ahead of the Wembley showpiece, head coach Arne Slot confirmed his hope of keeping the bedrock of his back four, saying: "The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season."

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"That is a good start!" Van Dijk laughed when informed of Slot's latest update. "Listen, you guys want to ask about it, but I have nothing more to say. I don't think there is any reason to talk about any of that [reported offer from Saudi Arabia].

"The only thing I can say - and I have said it already many times - is that I am so proud to be the captain of this beautiful club that means so much to me and has meant so much to me in the past, as well as my family.

"The full focus is on the next 10 games and there are obviously conversations going on and that is absolutely fine but they are private and confidential and there's nothing more to add. The fans love me, I keep working and everyone can see that.

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"I feel I am in one of the best shapes in my career and you have been seeing that I think. I enjoy playing, I enjoy leading the boys out, I enjoy being there for each and every one of them and I enjoy the responsibility more than ever, maybe because I am getting older slowly. But listen, I feel fine. So let's wait and see."

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