Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is due to be a free agent at the end of the season as the Dutchman’s contract talks with the Anfield hierarchy continue to drag on
Dirk Kuyt says Virgil van Dijk still has plenty of years left at the top after becoming the latest figure to urge the Liverpool hierarchy and their influential captain to come to terms on a new contract.
Van Dijk, 33, will join Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold in becoming a free agent at the end of the season, with speculation over their futures still dominating the narrative at Anfield.
The Dutchman recently denied that his future had already been decided amid links to Saudi Arabia. He did, however, imply that news would be on the way soon after stating that his future would be sorted before the end of the Premier League season.
Despite the uncertainty over his future, Van Dijk has still been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers as they push for the title. And Kuyt reckons it’s a no-brainer for Liverpool to extend his deal – even if he is approaching the twilight years of his career.
READ MORE: Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister involved in huge brawl after Darwin Nunez incidentREAD MORE: Steven Gerrard makes feelings on Liverpool return crystal clear with Chelsea gesture
“Virgil leads in such a great way and he’s playing at his best level,” the former Anfield favourite told The Athletic. “He takes care of his own performances and he’s also there for others on and off the pitch.
“It wasn’t easy for him coming back from a bad injury and he had some criticism, but this season he’s been immense and I’m enjoying every minute of watching him play for Liverpool.
Join the debate! Would Nmecha be a good signing for Man Utd? Let us know here
“He is turning 34 soon but players now can go on longer than those of my generation. It’s the same with Mo (Salah), who turns 33 in June. Everyone who likes Liverpool wants these players to sign new contracts tomorrow but we don’t know the details. All I can say is I hope that soon we get the green light that they will be staying at Liverpool as they’re still among the best players in the world.”
Arne Slot has made it clear that he would like the former Celtic and Southampton defender to remain a part of his squad next season.
Slot said of the situation earlier this month: “I don’t know what’s happening next season as well in terms of results but that is not what you mean. The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
