Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk have yet to begin negotiations over a new contract, with an agreement unlikely to be reached before next spring, according to David Ornstein.
The Liverpool captain is keen to remain at the club, but the two parties have not held talks so far. That lack of progress is not considered unusual, given Liverpool’s preference for conducting contract discussions privately and only revealing details once an agreement has been completed.
The previous time Van Dijk’s future was under consideration, Liverpool were also negotiating with Mohamed Salah, whose contract at the time was due to expire in 2025. Neither player’s situation was settled until around April.
Age and salary are expected to be important factors in Liverpool’s decision-making this time. Van Dijk turns 35 in July, while the terms of his current deal will also be taken into account.
Liverpool’s owners have generally been cautious about offering new contracts to players aged over 30. However, they have made exceptions for both Van Dijk and Salah in the past.
The outcomes of those previous renewals have differed. Liverpool’s decision to extend Van Dijk’s contract has been justified by his performances, while Salah is now leaving the club only one year into the two-year agreement he signed.
