Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has seemingly revealed that he is eager to sign a new contract.
Since arriving at Anfield in 2018, the centre-back has proven to be one of the most influential signings in the history of the club.
However, after 283 appearances and with Premier League and Champions League medals under his belt, the club captain currently finds in a situation where his future is up in the air.
As with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, Van Dijk has less than 12 months remaining on his deal with the Merseyside giants.
Should that remain the case at the turn of the year, a wide array of clubs will be pushing to open formal discussions to sign the trio on a free transfer.
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Van Dijk makes Liverpool admission
Van Dijk is currently on international duty with Netherlands where he was part of the team that edged to a 3-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina over the weekend.
In the past, the 33-year-old has indicated that he is prepared to take his time when making decisions over his future at both club and international level.
Nevertheless, after Saturday's hard-earned victory, Van Dijk revealed that he had a plan in mind in both cases up until the end of 2025-26.
As quoted by The Mirror, he said: "At both teams, I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader! And I certainly want to remain that for the next two years.
"I am human, I have emotions too. You start thinking all kinds of things. Especially just after a game like the elimination (by England) in the very last minute.
"I also understand that it came across unclear on how I stood in all this, because after the match I was so disappointed and full of emotion.
"It perhaps came across as if it had been my last international match. I did have doubts that night and I did hint at that.
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Van Dijk looking for stability?
While Van Dijk's comments could be misconstrued in the sense that he was focusing his attention on matters with his country, it was a clear sign that he favours stability over a new challenge.
If Van Dijk wants to remain at the top of his game for the 2026 World Cup, staying at Liverpool gives him the best chance of doing so.
Offering a one-year contract extension may also benefit Liverpool with Van Dijk due to turn 35 years of age while the next World Cup is taking place.
Darren Plant
