Sources: Liverpool postpone Van Dijk talks
Liverpool are not planning to hold talks over Virgil van Dijk's contract until next year, sources have told Football Insider.
The 35-year-old will see his current contract expire in 2027 as things stand, and could be allowed to leave Anfield on a free transfer come the end of the season.
He remains a crucial part of Andoni Iraola's starting XI for now, but concerns about his age and the club's long-term plans mean no decision has been made yet.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool will follow a similar path to the last time Van Dijk signed a contract extension.
In 2025, both Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah put pen to paper on extensions shortly before the end of the season after months of speculation about potential moves away.
Two years on, Liverpool are once again preparing to hold talks later in the season, with a decision over the captain's future not expected to be made until April at the earliest.
Will Liverpool hand Virgil van Dijk a new contract?
Football Insider revealed earlier this year that Liverpool were not planning to hand Van Dijk a new contract, and were instead prepared to see him leave on a free transfer.
This comes as part of their plans to overhaul their back line, but given his role in the squad following Andoni Iraola's appointment, that plan could now be changed.
A decision is likely to be made based on how Van Dijk performs this season, with the door left open to all eventualities as things stand.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There's no decision made either way really on Virgil van Dijk's long-term future at Liverpool as things stand.
"I'm sure Liverpool will just be hoping that he can contribute to the side this season. His experience will be vital for a new-look team as well and under a new manager as well.
"Remember his contract situation a couple of years ago, they didn't renew it until quite late I think it was around late April, and it seems like that is going to be the plan again.
"I'm sure they'll assess how he performs this season, and if he continues to perform at a high level, then there's still every opportunity that he could sign a new deal at Liverpool."
Which clubs are interested in signing Van Dijk?
Speculation surrounding Van Dijk's long-term future at Liverpool has placed a number of potential suitors on alert from across world football.
The centre-back has been a long-term target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but also has suitors in Europe who could jump at the chance to sign him on a free transfer.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 10 September that Van Dijk could be tempted to leave Liverpool with "big" offers on the table.
Saudi clubs would be the most likely to make moves at this stage after missing out in 2025, but they are not going to be alone in their pursuit.
Van Dijk is also expected to have suitors elsewhere, with clubs in the MLS and Turkey having shown in recent months their ability to offer big wages to tempt players in.