Virgil van Dijk reveals new Liverpool contract talks in huge boost for Arne Slot

Virgil van Dijk has revealed contract talks are progressing in an attempt to end the impasse which threatens to end his Liverpool career in the summer of 2025.

The Dutch centre-half said the ‘right people are talking to each other’ to extend his deal following his side’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

Both parties are keen for Van Dijk to renew before his contract expires at the end of the season as he has been in majestic form with Liverpool top of the Premier League.

“I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future,” said Van Dijk.

“My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.

“I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun. What the future brings I have no idea at the moment, but like I said discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys [the media] will know it as well. But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”

Liverpool have conceded just three league goals so far this season – comfortably the best record in the top flight – with Van Dijk pivotal to that. But he also highlighted new manager Arne Slot’s tactical tweaks.

“At the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball?” said Van Dijk.

“I would say that has definitely changed. I wouldn’t say it’s [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, especially it’s the guys in front of us again, so it’s a team effort. I know how it works, me and Ibou [Konate] as the centre-backs or the goalkeepers will get the credit for the clean sheets but it’s all about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that. And I am happy with the clean sheets, so hopefully we can get a lot more this season and be successful.

“The work we put in starts up front. You see Darwin [Nunez] coming on, winning balls on the edge of our box and that is a good sign. It’s obviously a good basis to have because if you are defensively solid and you’re not conceding many goals or any goals at all, I think that is always a good way to succeed. We’re only 10 or 11 games in now though, so there is still lots to go.”

Beating Chelsea was a statement win for Slot’s side as any fears of Liverpool suffering following the loss of legendary coach Jurgen Klopp have – for the moment – been extinguished.

Liverpool may be defying pre-season predictions to be title contenders again.

“Everyone can have their opinion but I know, like I think a lot of people know opinions can change every three days now in terms of [people saying] someone can win the league and someone can’t. I think there is no point listening to any of that. I don’t do that,” said Van Dijk.

“I focus on one game at a time, I want to be successful, I want to win trophies in every competition we’re in, I want to try and win it. We know how difficult it is but I am going to give it a very good go I think.

“On paper it looks like it is a very tough run of games and it is. And also what makes it difficult is we travel and it is about staying fit, keeping the rhythm, but listen, I am looking forward to it. This is what you want to do, you want to play on the highest level and perform and show what we can do. So let’s go for it.”