Van Dijk sends two-word message to Liverpool fans after his ‘shock error’
Virgil van Dijk addressed Liverpool fans after their Merseyside derby triumph, despite an uncharacteristic mistake from the captain.
Liverpool took another step towards the Premier League title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in a tense affair.
The first half ended goalless but wasn’t without controversy, as James Tarkowski was fortunate to avoid a red card for a reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
Everton then came close to breaking the deadlock after an unusual Van Dijk error shocked Paul Merson. The defender completely misjudged an attempted clearance, allowing Beto through on goal, only for the forward to squander the chance.
The Reds eventually found their breakthrough just before the hour mark when Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota combined to produce the game’s only goal.
Despite a rare mistake and a shaky display from the captain, Van Dijk had a message for the fans after the game.
Liverpool face contract dilemma with Virgil van Dijk
The Dutchman shared a passionate message on Instagram after the Merseyside derby victory, simply writing: “THE REDS!”
His post attracted plenty of attention from teammates, with likes from Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, and Jeremie Frimpong, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool.
However, uncertainty looms over Van Dijk’s future as he is yet to agree a new contract, with his current deal set to expire this summer.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool have concerns over the Van Dijk’s age, which may be causing delays in negotiations.
The club usually avoid offering long-term deals to players over 30, creating a potential stumbling block for the captain, who will be 34 at the start of the 2025/26 season.
As discussions continue, it appears Liverpool may already be looking at potential replacements.
| Liverpool’s next three fixtures | Date |
| Fulham vs Liverpool | 4 April |
| Liverpool vs West Ham | 13 April |
| Leicester vs Liverpool | 20 April |
Liverpool identify Jorrel Hato as long-term Van Dijk successor
With contract talks stalling and Bayern Munich showing interest in Van Dijk, Liverpool seem to be preparing for life without their captain.
Football Insider revealed that Ajax’s Jorrel Hato has been identified as a long-term successor to Van Dijk, with the Reds keen on a summer move.
The highly-rated 19-year-old is also on the radar of Arsenal and Chelsea, but with Liverpool on course for the Premier League title and the prospect to play under Dutch coach Arne Slot, a move to Anfield may be difficult to turn down.