Virgil van Dijk provides update on Liverpool, Netherlands future

By Ben Sully
Published: 11 July 2024 10:27 PM

What next? Van Dijk delivers update on future

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk provides an update on his future following the Netherlands' semi-final defeat to England at Euro 2024.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has admitted he will consider his club and international future following Netherlands' Euro 2024 exit.

Van Dijk is set to go on his summer break after the Netherlands' European Championship dreams were crushed by a semi-final defeat to England.

Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot to cancel out Xavi Simons's sublime opener, before Ollie Watkins netted a 90th-minute winner to condemn the Netherlands to a 2-1 defeat.

At the age of 33, Van Dijk must now consider whether he wants to continue his international career as the focus shifts to the Nations League and 2026 World Cup qualifying.

There is also some uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk's Liverpool future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk pictured on April 18, 2024 © Reuters

Van Dijk provides update on future

The experienced defender has now revealed that he will use his time off to decide the next steps in his club and international career.

Speaking after Wednesday's defeat, Van Dijk told reporters: "It will be a summer of reflection, thinking carefully about what I want, at club and national level.

"Then we will go for it again. But now I'm going to recover first. It has been a very long season, in which I put a lot of emotional energy, which is normal in my case. That doesn't take away from the fact that it has been very tough."

Van Dijk will now enjoy a well-earned rest after featuring in 64 matches for club and country since the start of the 2023-24 season.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk pictured on March 10, 2024 © Reuters

Is a Liverpool departure likely?

In May, Van Dijk indicated that he would stay with Liverpool for the 2024-25 campaign after holding talks with Jurgen Klopp's successor Arne Slot.

However, according to The Mirror, the centre-back has emerged as a potential target for Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq.

A move to the Saudi Arabian side would allow Van Dijk to play under Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and reunite with his former Reds teammate Georginio Wijnaldum.

While there may be interest from Saudi Arabia, Liverpool will be determined to retain the services of their club captain.

The Dutchman has racked up 270 competitive appearances and won eight trophies since joining the Reds from Southampton in January 2018.