Liverpool are considering extending Virgil van Dijk's contract until summer 2028. According to TEAMtalk, head coach Andoni Iraola wants to keep the 35-year-old captain for at least another season.
The Dutch defender signed his current deal in April 2025 and it expires on 30 June 2027. He earns around £350,000 a week.
Despite his age, Van Dijk remains a key player in Liverpool's defence and is helping young defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni adapt to the team's demands.
Speaking on The TEAMtalk podcast, journalist Graham Bailey said:
Yes, this really is being talked about now. Obviously, his contract expires in the summer and he'll be another year older, James.
He signed a very big contract in 2025. Everyone thought this could be his farewell season, but he's actually having a very good season.
That's partly why Jeremy Jacquet is playing so well. The team also have Giovanni Leoni, the young Italian centre-back.
From what I've heard, Andoni Iraola is very keen to keep Van Dijk. He's the captain, the team's leader. It's like having another coach on the pitch.
He hardly misses a match and is playing very well. I've been told there's every chance his contract will be extended by at least another 12 months.
That won't stop Liverpool signing another centre-back. But the young players can learn a lot from Van Dijk…
I'm told Jacquet is learning a great deal from playing alongside him.
According to TEAMtalk, talks over a new deal could begin in early 2027. No final decision has been made, but the club are prepared to consider extending the captain's contract until June 2028.
Liverpool are also continuing to plan for the future of their defence. Ronald Araujo, who is on loan at the club, is considered a possible successor to Van Dijk. Liverpool could have the opportunity to activate the €55 million purchase option early, as soon as January.
