Virgil van Dijk has hinted that the announcement of his new contract will come “next week,” with Mohamed Salah hopeful his Liverpool captain will be staying.
Van Dijk scored a vital late winner as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, kissing the badge in front of the Kop as he celebrated.
The victory brings Liverpool within six points of the title, regardless of Arsenal‘s result against Ipswich next weekend, and comes on the back of a new contract for Salah.
Salah’s commitment undoubtedly lifted spirits, and the Egyptian laid on Luis Diaz‘s opener to break the record for the most goal involvements of any player in a single 38-game Premier League campaign.
And speaking to Sky Sports alongside Van Dijk after the game, Salah alluded to the expected announcement of a new two-year contract for the Dutchman.
About his own deal, Salah said: “I am glad that we managed to do that early before the end of the season, and hopefully Virgil will be next.
“I am just hoping – so hopefully! Look, he can do whatever he wants, but I would love to see him again next year.”
Laughing alongside Salah in the tunnel at Anfield, Van Dijk was then asked what he could reveal about his situation.
“I can tell you that I’m very proud today to captain my 100th game for Liverpool,” he replied diplomatically.
“Let’s see what the next week will look like”
“It was an emotional day, obviously because of the Hillsborough anniversary.
“That was the main focus, to get the three points and get a step closer to all of our dreams; not only us as playing staff, but everyone that’s connected to Liverpool FC.
“That’s the main thing.
“Everyone knows how much I love this club and let’s see what the next week will look like.”
Liverpool are now expected to confirm Van Dijk’s new deal in the coming days, with the 33-year-old also agreeing terms until 2027.
‘Arne Slot is a different breed’
Danny Gallagher (@danny7gallagher)
Back in the summer, had you given any manager the hypothetical situation that they would take over Jurgen Klopp and surge Liverpool straight to the title, they’d likely have been giddy at the prospect, potentially punch-drunk on an instant ego-kick.
Not Slot. Make no mistake, the Dutchman desperately wants this season to end with Liverpool being crowned champions of England, but the way he’s going about it and holding himself throughout proceedings speaks major volumes.
Prowling the touchline, constantly demanding, endlessly tinkering and easing his players into new openings. Slot isn’t seeing this as a shot-in-the-arm thrill of a runaway season, but rather the beginning of crafting a football team into a seriously destructive machine. His reaction after Van Dijk nodded the winner said it all – violently punching the air before immediately barking out the command of focus, tapping his temple repeatedly.
Slot demands the best because he’s both a highly intelligent man, and obsessed with football. The latter part is rather prescient, as it has never been lost on the Reds boss that he has been bestowed one of the best and most versatile squads in world football.
It will be added to in the summer, and needs to be given the manner in which Liverpool are tailing off in matches. But Slot wants this, badly, and these three points will mean everything.
Fan Comments