Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has dropped the biggest hint yet that he will sign a new contract with the Premier League leaders.
The 33-year-old's situation - along with that of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold - has been an unwelcome distraction throughout the Reds' surge towards a seemingly inevitable second Premier League title.
Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold are all still due to depart as free agents at the end of the season, and Liverpool's attempts to secure the latter's future are understood to have ended in failure.
Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when the campaign comes to a close, but there remains optimism over the possibility of new deals with Van Dijk and Salah.
The former Southampton centre-back has repeatedly taken a calm approach when asked about his future, but he has now given a huge indication that he will remain at the club for a little while longer.
Van Dijk confirms "progress" in Liverpool contract discussions
© Imago
Speaking to reporters after Sunday's shock 3-2 Premier League loss to Fulham - as quoted by The Athletic - Van Dijk confirmed that talks were heading in the right direction, saying: "There is progress, yeah."
However, Van Dijk stopped short of fully committing his future to Arne Slot's side when asked if it was a guarantee that he would stay, adding: "I don't know, we'll see. Listen, these are internal discussions and we'll see.
"I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again and we wanted to reward them. But I want them to be there Sunday again (at home to West Ham United) and make the stadium an amazing venue like always for us."
There have been few credible reports linking Van Dijk with a move to any particular club this summer, although the Saudi Pro League and MLS would be expected to throw their hat into the ring if he could not find an agreement with Liverpool.
The 33-year-old has scored three goals and set up one more in 43 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions this season, and he has not missed a single minute of Premier League football for the Reds.
Can Liverpool afford to lose Van Dijk?
© Imago
As gut-wrenching as Alexander-Arnold's imminent exit will be for Liverpool supporters, Van Dijk finally coming out and confirming that there has been headway in contract talks will soften the blow majorly.
The Dutchman may not be young in footballer terms any more, but the 'aura' that he has been famed for during his Liverpool spell remains as strong as ever, and the statistics back it up.
Only the 6ft 6in Dan Burn has won more aerial duels than Van Dijk in the 2024-25 Premier League season, where the Liverpool captain also ranks first for passes into the final third with a staggering 236.
Furthermore, Van Dijk also sits in the top 10 for pass accuracy, interceptions, clearances and % of aerial duels won, and even though he is approaching his 34th birthday, there are no signs of a physical decline whatsoever.
Other legendary centre-backs such as Sergio Ramos and Giorgio Chiellini continued to shine at the top level well into their late 30s, so there is no reason why Liverpool cannot get another stellar few years of service out of their inspirational skipper.
Ben Knapton
