Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, has refused to discuss the specifics of the contract negotiations with Virgil van Dijk. The centre-back's deal at Anfield expires this summer, and Van Dijk said after The Reds' defeat to Fulham that there had been "progress" made in discussions. Liverpool have managed to tie down Mohamed Salah to a new two-year deal until 2027.
As for Van Dijk, the saga over his future seems to be reaching its conclusion, with reports starting to emerge that the centre-back will follow Salah’s suit and sign an extension.
However, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of The Reds welcoming West Ham United on Sunday, Slot gave "the boring answer" when asked about Van Dijk.
Regarding Van Dijk's contract situation, Slot stated, "I think you know the answer." We talk about contracts if they are signed. In case with Mo, we are talking about it. As long as it's not signed, we are not talking about it.
"I can tell you that I am very happy with Virgil this season. He's been incredible for us - even in the last few games, where maybe there were moments where he could've done better. But if you look at the other 89 minutes, he is such an important player for us.
"Let's hope he can do the same - I just hope with Mo, and he can do the same on Sunday again, being our leader again as he has always been this season, against West Ham."
That's definitely the mentality in our group, that the job is not done and now we just have to recover from this physically and mentally and put our minds on West Ham at home."
A breakthrough certainly appears to have been made, with reports earlier this week emerging that there is a growing expectation Van Dijk will stay. The Dutchman is understood to be close to signing a two-year deal, similar to Salah.
If he does re-sign as expected, it would ease one of the key recruitment issues facing the Reds heading into the summer. Should the 33-year-old have left, Liverpool were likely to enter the market for a new starting central defender.
However, Slot remained coy on the matter and assessed his recent performances instead. He said: “We talk about contracts if they are signed, so we talk about Mo. I am very happy with Virgil this season he has been incredible for us. Although he may have performed better recently, the remaining 89 minutes demonstrate his importance. Hopefully, he can do the same and be our leader again.”
Salah’s new deal was massive. But for many, the Van Dijk news might be even bigger. He is not only an excellent defender, but also our captain. He embodies the calm, class, and authority that we have lost over time. The fact that the rest of the league is aware that he will remain demonstrates to them that we are fighting and not fading. Some fans were concerned that Arne Slot wouldn’t have the backing or pull to keep the big names. That’s now been well and truly put to bed. With Salah locked in until 2027 and Van Dijk’s extension incoming, the Dutch manager can build around the core of a world-class squad.
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