“There is progress” – Van Dijk confirms talks with Liverpool over new contract | OneFootball

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has entered the final year of his contract with the Merseyside club and could walk away for free this summer.

However, the Dutchman has confirmed that he is in talks with Liverpool regarding a new contract.

“There is progress,” Van Dijk said (via The Athletic). “These are internal discussions. I love the club. I love Liverpool, and I love the fans.”

The 33-year-old is still one of the best centre-backs in the business. Unsurprisingly, Liverpool want to keep him. They need to pull out all the stops to retain his services.

Van Dijk has started every Premier League game for Liverpool this season, helping the Reds keep 13 clean sheets. His ball distribution remains impeccable and helps initiate their attacks.

Liverpool are planning for a major transfer window as they have massive holes to fill in their squad. They are not keen on losing a pillar of the team.

Van Dijk wants to stay at Liverpool despite interest from the Saudi Pro League and other European giants. They should be able to reach an agreement.

Van Dijk has shown signs of decline in recent weeks

Van Dijk remains one of the best in the business, but his powers have started to wane recently.

Against Fulham over the weekend, striker Rodrigo Muniz turned him easily before scoring.

It was a repeat of Van Dijk’s ordeal against Beto in the Merseyside derby. They beat Everton, but the Toffees’ bullish striker outmuscled the former Celtic and Southampton defender.

Liverpool should keep Van Dijk, but they must understand that he is entering the twilight of his career and showing clear signs of a decline.

An immediate search for a successor should follow a short-term contract agreement.