Ronald Koeman says Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has told him something privately about his future

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Liverpool were put on alert on Sunday after Mohamed Salah very publicly confirmed that he is yet to be offered a new contract.

Salah was fresh from once again dismantling Manchester United at Old Trafford when he chose to make the world aware of his current siutation.

From Liverpool’s point of view, it was more than a little embarrassing. Salah has been one of the best players in the Premier League so far this season and looks fully deserving of a new deal at Anfield.

And Salah is of course far from being the only big name who has a contract running out at Liverpool. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are in exactly the same boat.

While Alexander-Arnold is perhaps the one causing the most nerves amongst the fanbase, Van Dijk clearly needs sorting out, too. Now, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has shed an interesting light on goings on.

Ronaldo Koeman shares Virgil van Dijk chat

As well as being a huge player for Liverpool, Van Dijk is absolutely indispensable to his country.

Captain of each team, the 33-year-old should be key to the plans of them both moving forward.

So, when Van Dijk said he was considering his future at both club and international level following this summer’s European Championship, Koeman has admitted that he was put on alert.

In quotes from De Telegraaf, the former Everton boss says he flew to Liverpool to speak to Van Dijk about his future after hearing the centre-back’s comments.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand shares what Virgil van Dijk has privately told him about Liverpool training

“I noticed how Virgil was in it, so I thought it was so important to visit him,” says Koeman.

“But he indicated that he wants to go for it for another two years, towards the World Cup.

“I have the same feeling with him, despite the fact that he didn’t reach his level at the last European Championships.”

What does it mean for Van Dijk and Liverpool?

Although it does not directly influence Van Dijk’s Liverpool career, this is worth noting from Koeman.

By the sounds of things, Virgil is planning to stay representing the Netherlands – presumably as captain – for another nearly two years, until summer 2026.

As things stand, that would be one full season after his current contract at Liverpool has come to an end.

So, from that we can take that Van Dijk is clearly expecting to be playing at the top level for at least two more years. He is not ready to take a pay day in Saudi Arabia.

This is also very clearly backed up in the defender’s performances. Van Dijk continues to operate as one of the very best defenders around and is crucial to Liverpool. In light of these comments, they absolutely have to get around the table with Van Dijk as soon as possible.