Van Dijk's farewell approaches: contract until 2027, transfer rumours
Virgil van Dijk, 35-year-old captain of Liverpool and of the Dutch national team, has a contract that runs until the summer of 2027. While he recently celebrated his hundredth international cap, the central defender realises that his time at both the club and with the Dutch national team is coming to an end.
Under the guidance of Arne Slot, Van Dijk's spell at Liverpool seemed like a dream. The Dutch defender was the key to the league title during the first season under his compatriot, and Slot was keen to keep the captain on board.
Contract and club future
Slot recognised Van Dijk's value and arranged a two-year extension. The new agreement runs until the summer of 2027, indicating that the club clearly wants to retain the captain for a few more seasons.
In an ideal world Van Dijk would have played his hundredth international in the World Cup final, but the second round against Morocco marked the end for the Dutch national team. The celebration took place in Eindhoven, at home against Serbia, where he became the eleventh player in the history of the Dutch national team to reach 100 caps.
International milestones and rumours
Under the new national team coach Xavi Hernández, Van Dijk played every minute during the recent international window, but former coach Gertjan Verbeek voiced criticism. “If I have to name one player who made a negative impression, it’s our captain. Especially against Germany. Then he was, particularly in the second half, taken off a few times,” said Verbeek.
Besides the criticism, transfer rumours continue to circulate. From Turkey it is known that Galatasaray has been showing interest in the 35-year-old defender for a year. In Italy Milan and Juventus are also whispering, and president Gerry Cardinale of the Rossoneri stated: “Whether we buy him in the winter, or he comes for free in the summer: Van Dijk will be a Milan player.”
Ahead of the upcoming Premier League‑kraker between Liverpool and Manchester City, Van Dijk spoke about a possible departure. “Will it happen in the summer? You’ll see that in the future. Before you know it, it will be over. Ultimately, when I have to leave the club, it will be a very emotional day. It has been an amazing journey,” said the captain.
He emphasised the significance of the shirt: “This is a shirt that millions of people around the world wear.” With a philosophical outlook he added: “It’s not always easy, but life is simply not always easy. From the first whistle to the last you must give everything for the emblem on your chest.” The farewell is approaching both at Liverpool and with the Dutch national team, and the summer will reveal where his journey ends.