Liverpool have put talks of a new contract with Virgil van Dijk on hold until the end of the year, which might be seen as a significant risk.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool will not pursue talks with Virgil van Dijk over a new contract at least until the end of the year. The Dutchman will then have six months left on his current deal and may see the Merseysiders taking a significant risk on one of their best players from last season.
Liverpool stall Van Dijk talks for now.
Arne Slot will have seen a name like Virgil van Dijk at his disposal when he took over and may have signalled the club to do all they can to keep the Dutchman. The defender will lead the Netherlands at the Euros, much like he did with Liverpool in what was a tremendous season for him personally.
The 32-year-old mainstay appeared back in top form as he put in a defensive shift throughout the season with consistency. Liverpool had planned contract extension talks with Van Dijk a while back, but now it appears there’s a change of heart in the background, albeit to see how the new season pans out, at least until December.
With a year left on his current deal, Van Dijk was unsure about his long-term future at Liverpool, especially in the wake of Jurgen Klopp announcing his departure in January. However, the 32-year-old mainstay has indicated he would like to stay at the club next season, as many expect him to sign a new deal.
However, Liverpool have paused contract talks with Van Dijk until the end of December, when they will then review his case. The suggestions for the pausing of talks are linked with prioritising summer signings over renewals, as per the report. In January, the defender will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs, with the Saudi PIF interested in signing him, while there’s sufficient continental interest.
Are Liverpool taking a massive risk with Van Dijk?
Van Dijk has shown no signs of slowing down despite many suggesting at the beginning of last season that the Dutchman was finished at the top level. He was, in fact, one of Liverpool’s most consistent and better performers, with Slot very much keen to start the new season with him in the backline.
However, postponing talks over his new deal might be a considerable risk, mainly due to not having a replacement in place. Goncalo Inacio is a target for Slot to replace Van Dijk in the long term, and while he may want the club to sign the player immediately, it’s not to displace the Dutch captain from his position.
