Liverpool to hold Virgil van Dijk 'talks' amid new 'concern'

Liverpool are set to hold internal talks over Virgil van Dijk's contract situation between now and the turn of the year.

The 35-year-old penned a two-year extension in the summer of 2025, but the club are now facing another decision over his future, with doubts growing behind the scenes about making a new offer.

The Netherlands international's age and an apparent downturn in his performances over the last 12 months are set to force the Reds into a decision amid ongoing uncertainty.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool are concerned about what their back line will look like without Van Dijk.

Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo both arrived at Anfield during the summer, but have yet to show that they can anchor the Reds defensive line on their own.

Van Dijk's experience, leadership and quality mean he is still a crucial part of Andoni Iraola's plans, further complicating the decision about whether to extend his stay.

How do Liverpool feel about losing Virgil van Dijk?

Football Insider revealed earlier this year that Liverpool are planning to allow Van Dijk to run down his contract with long-term plans in place to land his replacement.

While he remains a key player in his role as club captain this season, there is a feeling that the back line is in need of refreshing, with their younger additions making progress.

There have been suggestions that, given Van Dijk's age, he could be phased out with his contract presenting the opportunity, but a decision has not been made yet.

"The concern for Liverpool is about what their back line looks like without Van Dijk," Brown told Football Insider.

"We can talk about his contract, his performances, his age, but without him in that defence, they would be significantly weaker.

"They've obviously brought in players around him as well, but if they let Van Dijk go, they lose his leadership and organisation which has been such a big part of his game.

"I've watched Jeremy Jacquet a couple of times now and he looks like a good young player, but there are still parts of his game that need work if he's going to be a top-class defender.

"I full expect Liverpool will be sitting down to discuss Van Dijk's contract soon, because one way or another they're going to have to make a decision before the end of the season.

"They might wait and see how he gets on between now and next year, because there is something to be said for his age and whether he might be slowing down."

Which clubs are interested in signing Van Dijk?

Speculation surrounding Van Dijk's future is expected to ramp up as the season goes on, and the longer he goes without signing a new deal, the more uncertainty will grow.

The defender's contract situation is expected to place a number of clubs both in Europe and the Middle East on alert ahead of his potential availability next summer.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in July that Liverpool were entertaining the potential of selling Van Dijk to a Saudi Pro League club this summer.

Clubs in the Middle East have been keeping tabs on the captain's situation since before he penned a new deal in 2025, and could finally be tempted to make moves.

Meanwhile, he is also believed to have suitors in the MLS, with clubs having been willing to spend big wages to tempt superstar names to the USA.