O’Rourke suggests real reason Virgil van Dijk has rejected Liverpool deal
Virgil van Dijk is likely to have rejected an initial Liverpool contract offer due to a disagreement over the length of the deal, sources have told Football Insider.
The 33-year-old has refused a first offer to extend his Anfield stay – but that stance is believed to be part of standard negotiations.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (10 December) that Van Dijk is willing to sign a new Liverpool contract.
Noises from both the club and the Dutchman’s camp suggest there is a willingness from both sides to find an agreement.
Sources say Liverpool are keen to conclude negotiations with their captain and move on to prioritise other discussions with key duo Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Both players are out of contract at the end of this season and have been linked with money-spinning moves away from Anfield.
Van Dijk wants extended Liverpool deal
Van Dijk’s current deal is also set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign and he can discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides from 1 January.
In order to remain at Anfield past the end of this season, sources say the defender is keen to sign a multi-year deal.
Van Dijk will be 34 at the start of the 2025-26 season but has shown no signs of slowing down since Arne Slot’s arrival on Merseyside.
He was named in the FIFPro World 11 for this year on Monday (9 December) and has started every game in the Premier League and Champions League this term.
In other news, Liverpool told Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez asking price.
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