Virgil van Dijk's chances of agreeing new Liverpool contract revealed

Andoni Iraola views Virgil van Dijk as a crucial part of his Liverpool squad despite his contract situation, sources have told Football Insider.

The 35-year-old is set to see his contract expire next summer as things stand, but that will not impact his role in the side between now and the end of the season.

Instead, the manager is focused on what his captain can do on the pitch and views him as not only a key player on the pitch but in the Anfield dressing room as well.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Van Dijk remains a crucial part of Iraola's plans and his performances this season could be key.

Much will depend on the centre-back's displays and whether Liverpool enjoy more success, but his role in the side cannot be downplayed despite the contract speculation.

While no decision has been made about his contract situation yet, and any call is likely to be made later in the season, Van Dijk's role in the side could see his deal extended.

What does Andoni Iraola have planned for Virgil van Dijk?

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 8 September that Liverpool have concerns about the shape of their back line 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.

Meanwhile, Iraola is still counting on Van Dijk as his main man and leader at the back, and views him as a crucial part of his plans both now and for the future.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "No decision has been made either way really on Virgil van Dijk's long-term future.

"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.

"Keeping people like Van Dijk around will be important for Iraola, he's going to have a big role to play for him in the starting XI and in the dressing room as well.

"As long as he's still contributing, he's such a vital part of the team, he's still the club captain as well, so I'm sure they won't be rushing him out the door in that respect.

"But yeah I think they'll judge everything on its merits as the season progresses, and they'll wait to see how he performs under Andoni Iraola."

What is Liverpool's stance on keeping Van Dijk?

Speculation about Van Dijk's future has been rife since the summer, with suggestions that he could even have left amid interest from elsewhere during the transfer window.

With his contract set to expire next summer, Liverpool will be forced to make a decision over his future, but no talks have been held just yet.

Football Insider revealed on 11 September that Liverpool are not planning to hold talks with Van Dijk until next year with nothing scheduled in the near future.

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.

Liverpool are now planning to follow that same pathway and will give the centre-back the season to prove he is deserving of an extended deal.