Virgil Van Dijk Set to Commit Future as Liverpool Look to Close Another Key Contract
As Liverpool fans celebrated Mohamed Salah’s long-awaited contract renewal, attention has naturally shifted to another cornerstone of the club’s modern era—Virgil Van Dijk. Speaking on Media Matters for Anfield Index, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele offered crucial insight into Van Dijk’s contract situation, revealing how close the Dutch defender is to putting pen to paper.
Van Dijk Contract “Very Close” According to Lewis Steele
Appearing alongside host Dave Davis, Lewis Steele revealed that Liverpool’s defensive lynchpin is “very close” to signing a new contract with the club. “Virgil said to us in the mix zone that there was progress made on his contract,” Steele explained. “The word I got back on that was, yeah, that is very close as well. Not done, again not official, nothing signed, but it is getting very close.”
This sentiment echoed earlier murmurs surrounding Mohamed Salah, whose deal is now confirmed. Steele’s reporting throughout the week had teased progress, but he was keen to stress that despite excitement, caution still applied. “Not officially signed but it will be soon,” he said on Van Dijk. “It’s just when, not if.”
Timing the Announcement
Though Van Dijk’s commitment is imminent, the club appears strategic in its timing. “I don’t know whether they might wait until the title’s officially wrapped up before they do that,” said Steele, suggesting Liverpool may hold announcements until after the Premier League is secured.
This measured approach mirrors Liverpool’s handling of Arne Slot’s managerial appointment. “Everyone knew that he was going to be the manager, but it didn’t officially get announced until… like May or June,” Steele recalled. With Van Dijk’s deal all but agreed, the timing now hinges on club optics rather than negotiation.
Double Boost for Liverpool’s Future
In discussing both star players, Steele remarked, “They’re both closing in on signing that deal, which puts an end to a very long-running saga… it sounds like it’s done and we can all forget about all the different debates we’ve had.” The parallel timing of Salah and Van Dijk’s deals is seen as deliberate, a statement of intent under new sporting director Richard Hughes.
“Give credit to Richard Hughes on this,” Steele added. “He’s inherited the situation of these three players—the three best players—out of contract.” ...
