Iraola has made his decision! Liverpool preparing a new contract for their leader

Liverpool are determined to keep Virgil van Dijk and offer their captain a new contract. According to TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey, Reds head coach Andoni Iraola is keen to continue working with the experienced defender.

“As I understand it, Andoni Iraola really wants to keep him at the club. Having him as captain is like having a coach on the pitch,” Bailey said. According to him, Van Dijk has a strong chance of being offered at least another 12 months on his contract.

Despite his age, Van Dijk continues to perform at a high level and remains a key figure in Liverpool’s defence. What’s more, he is helping young defenders adapt, particularly Jeremy Jacquet, who is learning a great deal from the captain.

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The Dutchman’s current deal runs until June 2027. In April 2025, he signed a two-year contract which, according to media reports, made him the club’s highest-paid player, with wages of around £350,000 per week.

It was previously reported that Liverpool were ready to extend the defender’s contract, with talks potentially beginning in early 2027. At the same time, a possible extension would not rule out the signing of another centre-back.