Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are reportedly working on a new deal for Virgil van Dijk, with Ibrahima Konate closing in on signing a new contract.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will likely continue as the central defensive partnership for Liverpool for at least one more season. Konate is on the verge of renewing terms with the Merseyside club, with the Reds working on a new contract for van Dijk.
The Virgil van Dijk situation
Virgil van Dijk has gone from strength to strength since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018. The Dutchman hit the ground running at Anfield and helped the Merseyside club win every major trophy, including the elusive Premier League title after three decades.
The 33-year-old has succeeded Jordan Henderson as the club captain and has turned out 279 times for Liverpool while chipping in with 24 goals and 12 assists. However, the Reds are in a spot of bother over van Dijk’s long-term future as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract.
While recent reports have claimed that the veteran Dutch defender will prioritise signing a new contract with Liverpool, he has yet to commit his long-term future to the Reds. However, the latest update has suggested that van Dijk will pair up with Ibrahima Konate at the heart of the defence for at least one more season.
Set for Anfield stay
Virgil van Dijk is a target for the big-spending Saudi Pro League clubs, while European outfits are also keen on signing him next year. However, the Reds are working to ensure the Dutchman does not get to the stage where he will be eligible to secure a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club.
Ibrahima Konate has also been in talks with Liverpool over a new contract, and TEAMtalk has revealed that the Frenchman is closing in on signing a deal with the Merseyside outfit. While Konate will remain at Anfield for another season, he will unlikely pair up with a new central defensive partner next term.
Liverpool will hope the efforts to secure a new contract with van Dijk will yield the desired results in the coming months. However, the 33-year-old Dutch defender should pair up with Konate at the heart of the Reds’ backline next season.
