Virgil van Dijk: Arne Slot coy on 'incredible' Liverpool defender's new deal 'progress' following Mohamed Salah's contract extension at Anfield

React to this story

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has refused to be drawn into disclosing any details about negotiations with Virgil van Dijk over a new contract. 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.

'Effort mostly means money' - Slot in jovial mood as Salah renews

Video credit: SNTV

Arne Slot has remained tight-lipped about whether Virgil van Dijk will extend his contract at Liverpool amid reports he is set to sign a new deal.

The Dutchman has already tied down one of his three stars whose deals were set to expire at the end of this season, with Premier League top goalscorer Mohamed Salah penning a new two-year contract on Friday morning.

Trent Alexander-Arnold completes the trio, although reports persist that the right-back is off to Real Madrid.

Transfers

Vinicius decision 'imminent', Barcola's Liverpool contract 'agreed' - Euro Transfer News

5 hours ago

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.

"I think you know the answer," Slot said of Van Dijk’s contract situation.

"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."

Van Dijk himself admitted after Liverpool’s surprise defeat to Fulham last week that there had been "progress" in negotiations between himself and the league leaders.

He reaffirmed his "love [for] the club", saying: "I love the fans, and [against Fulham] they were there for us again and we wanted to reward them.

"I want them to be there again on Sunday and make the stadium an amazing venue, like always, for us."

'Nowhere near the standard' - Scholes believes Amorim 'does not like his team'

Video credit: TNT Sports

Liverpool top the Premier League with seven games to play, and they are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

Slot’s side have a tricky run-in that includes two home matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, either side of a visit to Stamford Bridge to face Champions League-chasing Chelsea.

Stream the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers