Arne Slot Hopes Virgil Van Dijk Stays At Liverpool For A Long Time

Virgil van Dijk is expected to stay in Liverpool for the long term (Instagram/@liverpoolfc).

JAKARTA - Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he hopes to continue working with captain Virgil van Dijk for a long time amid continuing uncertainty over the defender's long-term future.

Van Dijk, along with team-mates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, will expire his contract at the end of the season.

Now they are free to talk to clubs abroad about signing a precontract agreement to join a free transfer in the summer.

However, there is still hope at Anfield that the 33-year-old will be committed to his future at the Reds, with his impressive performance showing no signs of fading.

"Virgil deserves every credit he has received. He has been very prominent to the club for years and, since I was here, he has also been very prominent to me."

"Yesterday (in a 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur) was an example. He, in a good, aggressive, team-leading way with and without a ball, is sharp and ready."

"It didn't happen that 80 minutes for Tottenham's first shot was right on target. Virgil, like many other players, has had a good season, but he wants to make it a great season," said Arne Slot.

"Good health is the first thing I expected from him. I look forward to continuing to work with him for a long time even though I don't think it will surprise you," said the coach again when asked what he expects from his captain's future.

After defeating Tottenham on Friday, February 7, 2025, Virgil van Dijk was rested in defeat to Playmouth Argyle in the FA Cup, Sunday, February 9, 2025.

The rotation was carried out so that Liverpool's core player could fit for a hot party titled Derby Merseyside against Everton on Thursday, February 13, 2025, early morning WIB, in the Premier League.