Report: Captain Van Dijk Nears New Anfield Contract | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk Nearing Liverpool Extension Amid Real Madrid Rejection

A fresh update on Virgil van Dijk’s future at Liverpool has emerged from Spanish publication Relevo, hinting at a significant development that could reassure Reds fans. The 33-year-old Liverpool captain, who has been a linchpin in the club’s defence, is reportedly close to signing a new deal with the Merseyside club despite interest from European giants.

Liverpool Contract Talks Heating Up

Van Dijk’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, leaving him free to discuss terms with clubs outside of England from January. Alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, the Dutchman’s future has been a major talking point, with fans anxiously awaiting news of contract renewals.

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The Dutchman recently addressed his contract situation following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United. In a typically reserved manner, he revealed: “Nothing… but I am calm about it, like I said months ago. We’ll see what happens in the future, and at this point, I have got absolutely no update.”

While this statement offered little reassurance at the time, Relevo’s latest report suggests that talks have advanced significantly behind the scenes.

Real Madrid Rebuffed by Van Dijk’s Agents

In a surprising twist, Relevo disclosed that Van Dijk’s representatives reached out to Real Madrid’s management regarding a potential free transfer in the summer of 2025. The report, titled ‘Real Madrid Rejected Van Dijk,’ claims the Dutchman’s agents informed Los Blancos of his interest in joining the Spanish giants.

“The 33-year-old Dutchman’s agents contacted Madrid’s management to inform them of the centre-back’s willingness to join the Bernabéu from the summer of 2025,” Relevo wrote.

However, Madrid turned down the opportunity. The Spanish club, plagued by defensive injuries to key players like Eder Militao and David Alaba, opted against pursuing Van Dijk due to his age and their focus on younger defensive profiles.

“They applied to reinforce an area of the pitch where they have suffered too many problems in recent years with injuries such as those of Militao or Alaba. However, the proposal was rejected by the Chamartín club,” the report added.

According to Relevo, “Although he would arrive on a free transfer and after a season in which he is shining with Liverpool, it was decided to decline interest in favour of other profiles that are better suited to what they are looking for.”

This revelation further solidifies the belief that Van Dijk’s future remains firmly tied to Anfield, with talks reportedly in the final stages.

Van Dijk’s Commitment to Liverpool

The decision by Madrid to pass on Van Dijk’s services could be a blessing in disguise for Liverpool. With Arne Slot now at the helm and the club undergoing a transition period, retaining experienced leaders like Van Dijk will be crucial for maintaining stability.

Although Van Dijk’s form has seen ups and downs in recent seasons, his influence on and off the pitch remains invaluable. Securing his contract renewal would not only boost the morale of the squad but also send a strong message to potential new signings about Liverpool’s ambition.

Relevo’s update has provided a glimmer of hope for Reds fans, who are keen to see their captain commit his future to the club.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s a relief to hear that Van Dijk is on the verge of extending his stay at Anfield. For many Liverpool fans, the prospect of losing their captain would have been unthinkable, especially given his stature as one of the best centre-backs in world football. The Relevo report will likely be met with excitement and a sigh of relief by supporters who have been eagerly waiting for news.

However, the revelation that his agents approached Real Madrid is intriguing. It raises questions about the motivations behind the move – was it a genuine desire to explore options, or a tactic to strengthen his hand in negotiations with Liverpool? Either way, it’s clear that Van Dijk still sees his immediate future at Liverpool, a club where he has achieved monumental success.

Fans will hope that this contract renewal marks the beginning of a new era under Arne Slot, with key players committing to the club’s long-term project. There is still work to be done, particularly with Alexander-Arnold and Salah’s contracts, but Van Dijk’s potential renewal is a significant step forward.

For now, it’s time for Reds fans to enjoy the moment and look forward to seeing their captain lead the team for seasons to come. After all, leaders like Van Dijk don’t come around often, and keeping him at Anfield ensures that Liverpool retains its competitive edge.