Virgil Van Dijk Hints At Liverpool Contract As Slot Focuses On Premier League Glory

Liverpool fans have been left buzzing after a thrilling 2-1 win over West Ham United on Sunday, a result that has put the Reds within touching distance of Premier League glory. While Virgil van Dijk’s late header sealed the crucial three points at Anfield, all eyes have also turned to his post-match words—hinting tantalisingly at a new contract, just as Arne Slot remains laser-focused on the title race.

Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp last summer, praised van Dijk’s clutch goal and his leadership just as he was keen to quash rampant speculation about an imminent contract extension announcement. “I think [Van Dijk] means let’s see what next week brings because we play Leicester City,” Slot said, downplaying the contract chatter. “Because at this moment in time, that is by far the most important thing this club is looking at.”

Indeed, Liverpool’s victory lifts them thirteen points clear at the top, needing only two more wins to secure a record 20th English title. The Reds could even seal it next Sunday at the King Power Stadium if they beat a resurgent Leicester City and get help from Ipswich Town against Arsenal.

Slot remains pragmatic. “First win two and that’s the only thing we should focus on, and this week we should try to improve, improve, improve more,” he told the media. For all the backdrop of contract talks and historic milestones, Slot makes it clear that the real challenge is still on the pitch. Since his arrival, Liverpool have officially qualified for next season’s Champions League, but their ambitions lie higher still.

Van Dijk himself acknowledged the emotional weight of recent days, with his 100th game as captain coinciding with the Hillsborough anniversary. “That was the main focus: get three points, get a step closer to all of our dreams – not just players, staff – everyone connected to Liverpool FC,” he told Sky Sports. The Dutch defender added, “Everyone knows how much I love this club, let’s see what next week will look like.”

For fans, the prospect of van Dijk following Mohamed Salah, who confirmed his own extension on Friday, offers a sense of continuity and stability as iconic names commit their futures to Anfield. Even coach Slot, usually tight-lipped on such matters, raised excitement with an unusually open hint: “In the meantime a contract extension could happen but our full focus is on Leicester City.”

The storylines swirling around Anfield this week are as potent as the football. With Darwin Nunez’s absence explained as an illness rather than injury, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s likely exit looming, the Reds’ season is flavoured with both hope and a tinge of melancholy. Should van Dijk’s new deal be confirmed before Leicester, it could add further momentum to a squad already surging towards glory.

As Liverpool fans prepare for what could be a historic week, the question remains: will next Sunday bring a double celebration—title triumph and their captain’s renewed commitment? Share your thoughts and predictions below as the drama in this unforgettable season continues to unfold.

• Arne Slot
• Liverpool FC
• Virgil van Dijk

X talks about this news