Liverpool are not interested in selling Virgil van Dijk this summer despite escalating speculation regarding an exit. The Dutch defender, who turns 35 on Wednesday, is due to join up with Andoni Iraola's squad in late July for the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
Van Dijk's World Cup Heartbreak
Van Dijk may have seen enough of North America to last a lifetime after the Netherlands' World Cup exit. Ronald Koeman's side were ousted by Morocco in a penalty shootout in the last 32. After a period of social media silence, Van Dijk finally addressed his fans and followers before turning his attention back to club matters.
"As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," he wrote on Instagram. "To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day. A lot has been said and that is for another day. Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that."
He added: "I'd like to thank our travelling fans and everyone back home who believed in us and stood by us until the end. We saw you, and we felt your support every step of the way."
Contract Situation and Interest from Abroad
Recent reports have suggested AC Milan and Fenerbahce are both interested in cutting a deal for Van Dijk. It is no secret the veteran is now in the final 12 months of his contract, and Liverpool seem unlikely to hand their skipper an extension. However, owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have consistently shown a preference for allowing those over 30 to run down their deals rather than cash in ahead of schedule. Andy Robertson was the latest example this summer, while Mohamed Salah was permitted an exit despite having 12 months left on his agreement.
Both Salah and Van Dijk signed two-year extensions to remain at Anfield in the summer of 2024, the same year Jurgen Klopp left the club. It appears the Reds are adamant for captain Van Dijk to see out his deal rather than split this summer.
Silver Lining for Liverpool
It may end up working in Liverpool's favour that the Netherlands' World Cup did not unfold as Van Dijk hoped. Not only will the player report back for duty much earlier, but they may find their star has new motivation to impress and make up for that miss. The same might be said for compatriots Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo as they also return to Liverpool with points to prove. None more so than Van Dijk, however, as he edges deeper into the twilight of his career at Anfield.
