Van Dijk wants to keep playing as Liverpool deal nears expiry

Virgil van Dijk says he intends to continue playing beyond the end of his Liverpool contract and would join another club if Liverpool do not offer him a renewal. The Liverpool captain said he was not anxious about the situation and had nothing new to report. His current deal is due to expire in June 2027.

Van Dijk said he felt good and wanted to keep playing, while leaving open whether that would be at Liverpool. He said he had enjoyed his time at the club and that he would go elsewhere if his contract was not extended. His comments describe his own plans; they do not confirm that Liverpool has made an offer or that the two sides have reached an agreement.

An account from insider Graeme Bailey said Liverpool’s intention was to offer Van Dijk a new deal. Bailey said there was a possibility of at least another 12 months, citing Van Dijk’s performances and his influence on younger defenders. Liverpool has not announced a renewal decision in the reported material. A separate report said talks were expected to begin in the coming weeks, but no terms or timetable for a completed agreement were reported.

The uncertainty comes as Van Dijk, who is 35, approaches the final months of his...