Virgil van Dijk has yet to decide whether he will continue playing for the Netherlands and is expected to discuss his international future with new head coach Xavi Hernandez.
The Liverpool defender will speak to Hernandez before making a final decision on his position with the national team, according to The Athletic.
That conversation is set to determine whether Van Dijk remains available for the Netherlands or brings his international career to an end. The 35-year-old has been a central figure for the Oranje and has made 96 appearances for his country.
Van Dijk’s discussions with Hernandez come after a disappointing World Cup campaign for the Netherlands. The team, managed by Ronald Koeman, were eliminated in the round of 32 after losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout.
The Netherlands’ early exit has placed renewed focus on the direction of the national side, with Hernandez now the coach tasked with leading the team forward. Van Dijk’s decision will therefore be one of the first major questions facing the new manager.
No final decision has been made by the Liverpool captain, who will first listen to Hernandez’s plans and assess his own future with the national team. The outcome of their meeting is expected to clarify whether he will continue to represent the Netherlands.
Van Dijk has been an established part of the Dutch set-up and has reached the 96-cap mark. His possible departure would leave the team without one of its most experienced players following the World Cup disappointment.
The Netherlands’ defeat by Morocco came at the end of a tournament in which Koeman’s side failed to progress beyond the first knockout round. Their elimination was confirmed by a shootout loss, rather than a defeat during normal playing time.
For now, Van Dijk’s international future remains unresolved. The defender will wait until he has spoken with Hernandez before deciding whether to add to his appearance total for the Netherlands or step away from international football.
