A prominent journalist has suggested that it’s “almost inevitable” that a key Liverpool player will leave Anfield without the club receiving a transfer fee.
Liverpool currently has three first-team stars—Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—entering the final year of their contracts.
*The Athletic* has closely examined each player’s situation, and today, the focus is on the captain, Virgil van Dijk.
Journalist Gregg Evans discusses how Van Dijk remains committed to Liverpool and focused on securing more trophies at Anfield.
However, it’s uncommon for Liverpool’s ownership, FSG, to extend contracts for players nearing 34, which Van Dijk will be when his current deal expires.
Evans predicts that the “most likely outcome” is that Liverpool will lose Van Dijk on a free transfer at the end of his contract, whenever that may be.
From a business perspective, FSG might be hesitant to offer an extension to a player already earning £220,000 per week, especially as he recently turned 33.
Despite this, Van Dijk continues to be vital to Liverpool’s on-field success and leadership, both on matchdays and behind the scenes.
He is known for using club facilities after hours to stay in top shape and for mentoring younger players.
The uncertainty around Liverpool’s central defensive options adds to the complexity of the situation.
With Sepp van den Berg potentially moving to Brentford for £30 million and Aston Villa interested in Joe Gomez, Liverpool could be left short at the back.
If Liverpool were to offer Van Dijk a two-year extension, it would keep him at the club until 2027 and allow time to plan for his eventual replacement.
Even if Van Dijk leaves on a free transfer in three years, it might be easier to let him go then, assuming a successor is ready to take over as the team’s defensive leader.
