At Anfield, Liverpool continue discussions with Virgil van Dijk’s entourage regarding a new contract.
Moreover, the club remains optimistic that an agreement will soon be reached. Additionally, Arne Slot appears to have targeted a long-term replacement for the stalwart defender.
Liverpool’s campaign suffered a setback on Sunday. A weakened side lost 1-0 to Championship strugglers Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round. However, the Reds still have three trophies in contention this season. They face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on March 16. In addition, Liverpool hold a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League. They also enter the Champions League last 16 as one of eight seeded teams.
A dark cloud still hovers over Merseyside. Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mo Salah are all out of contract at the end of the season. They will become free to leave on July 1. Moreover, concerns over their departures escalated after Paul Merson cited two reasons why he expects all three to exit Anfield this summer.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Nevertheless, Liverpool have not given up hope. Van Dijk’s agent was seen sitting next to sporting director Richard Hughes at Anfield on Thursday. Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the meeting on his YouTube channel. He stated, “It is true that the agents of Virgil van Dijk were sitting next to director of football Richard Hughes for the game against Tottenham.” Romano added that a very good conversation and relationship remain between Liverpool and Van Dijk’s agents.
Liverpool knows that Virgil van Dijk, at 33 years old, cannot perform at the highest level forever. Accordingly, the club is already planning for the future. They must secure a long-term solution to fortify their defense.
Consequently, scouts have turned their attention to Feyenoord’s David Hancko as a potential heir. The 27-year-old centre-half made 93 appearances under Arne Slot in Rotterdam. Moreover, Hancko is already on Liverpool’s radar and appears ready for a move this summer.
According to Caught Offside, Hancko’s contract at De Kuip lasts until summer 2028. Feyenoord seeks an extension, but it remains a lower priority. The Slovakia international is valued at €50m (£41.4m, $52m). He has been capped 48 times. Such a high price could convince Feyenoord to sell.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s top priority is to secure Virgil van Dijk’s new deal. His brilliance this season shone through, even when his absence hurt the team in the FA Cup. In the meantime, Van Dijk told the BBC, “What the future brings I have no idea. Anybody who says they know it – they are wrong.” Meanwhile, Anfield continues to plan ahead by targeting defensive reinforcements, ensuring the club remains competitive in all competitions.
