Virgil van Dijk, the towering Dutch defender and captain of Liverpool Football Club, has cast doubt over his future with the club, admitting he has “no idea” where he will be playing next season. With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, the 33-year-old’s comments have sparked speculation among fans and pundits alike as one of the Premier League’s most influential players approaches a critical juncture in his career.
Speaking after Liverpool’s recent elimination from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in a dramatic penalty shootout at Anfield, Van Dijk addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future. “I have no idea at the moment, genuinely I still have no idea,” he said, responding to questions about whether he would remain a Liverpool player beyond this season. “There are 10 games to go, and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. I don’t even know myself.”
Van Dijk’s current deal, signed in 2021, will conclude at the end of the 2024-2025 season, alongside those of teammates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The trio’s expiring contracts have been a persistent topic of discussion among Liverpool supporters, with the club yet to secure extensions for any of the key players. While negotiations have reportedly been ongoing behind the scenes, Van Dijk’s latest remarks suggest that no resolution is imminent.
Since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-world-record fee for a defender of £75 million, Van Dijk has been a transformative figure for the Reds. His commanding presence, exceptional defensive skills, and leadership have helped the club secure a host of major honors, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup. This season, under new manager Arne Slot, Van Dijk has continued to perform at an elite level, guiding Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table and into the latter stages of multiple competitions.
Virgil van Dijk: “I don’t know what’s gonna happen next season. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face”.
“Contract on hold? Nothing on hold. I keep saying same things. If there is news, you will know it”.
“I don’t even know myself”. pic.twitter.com/IYlC5NArHN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 12, 2025
Despite his stellar form, the lack of clarity over his future has fueled rumors linking him with potential moves elsewhere. Reports have suggested interest from top European clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Juventus, as well as a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The prospect of signing Van Dijk on a free transfer in the summer, given his experience and consistent excellence, is likely to attract significant attention from clubs around the world.
However, Van Dijk has remained coy about his plans, emphasizing his commitment to Liverpool for the remainder of the current campaign. “Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes, but that’s about it,” he said. “At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. My focus is on being the best captain I can be for this team and helping us achieve our goals this season.”
Liverpool’s recent Champions League exit, following a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Paris and a penalty shootout loss at home, may mark Van Dijk’s final European appearance for the club unless a new deal is agreed upon. Reflecting on the defeat, he expressed disappointment but praised the team’s efforts. “We tried everything in our power to go through, especially in regular time,” he said. “We put ourselves in a very good position last week, winning there 1-0, but it wasn’t enough.”
Manager Arne Slot has publicly expressed his desire to retain Van Dijk, describing him as “outstanding” and a key figure in the squad. “Virgil deserves every compliment he gets,” Slot said earlier this season. “He’s been outstanding for this club for so many years, and since I’ve been here, he’s been outstanding for me as well. I hope to continue working with him for a long time.”
As the season progresses, Liverpool fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Van Dijk’s future, along with those of Salah and Alexander-Arnold. The club’s hierarchy faces a challenging task in securing the long-term commitment of these pivotal players, whose departures would represent a significant blow to the team’s ambitions.