Virgil van Dijk rejects Liverpool's intial offer to extend contract at club: Report

The Dutchman is on the verge of becoming a free agent after the end of the season.

Liverpool’s initial contract offer to defender Virgil van Dijk “fell short of his expectations”, resulting in question marks over his future.

Along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, the Dutch defender is one of three key Liverpool players whose contracts are up at the end of the current campaign.

Talks with Alexander-Arnold are reportedly moving forward. Meanwhile, the Egyptian international has recently revealed that he has not received a formal proposal to prolong his contract at Anfield. The right-back’s situation is much different as he is a homegrown star and is younger than Salah.

The Athletic claims that when Liverpool presented Van Dijk with an initial contract offer, it “fell short of his expectations”. Although discussions are still underway, no significant progress has been made so far, in terms of the monetary compensation and the duration of the contract.

“The right-back has generated well-documented interest from Real Madrid but, similarly to his team-mates, it remains unclear how the matter will conclude. Van Dijk’s game has gone up another level this season as he continues to lead by example in the heart of defence.”

Liverpool drop their first points in over a month.What a match 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MdRDGfXdGL

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 4, 2024

Van Dijk has been instrumental in Liverpool’s outstanding defensive performances thus far this season under head coach Arne Slot. With just 11 goals conceded in 14 games, the Reds have the best defence in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s recent 3-3 draw against Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Wednesday saw them drop two crucial points. The Reds were in total control and were all set to register another win when an error by Caoimhin Kelleher led to the Magpies’ equaliser in the final moments of the game.

For the most part, discussions on the player’s future have been conducted behind closed doors. In a chat with Viaplay late last week, Van Dijk recently stated that no agreement was forthcoming.

“Honestly, no. There is no change at all, there is no update at all, there is no news for the outside world. So I have nothing to share.”

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