Fabrizio Romano announces CRUCIAL Van Dijk update

The futures of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are all anyone is talking about surrounding Liverpool at the moment.

The situation is looming over what has otherwise been a tremendous start to the season like a dark cloud on a sunny day. It is exacerbated by the fact that all three have started their seasons in scintillating form.

Salah has six goals, Trent is central to every piece of build up and Van Dijk is anchoring a defence that has conceded only two league goals.

Read more: Liverpool next captain NAMED as pundit predicts Van Dijk replacement

Yet, links to replacements are rife - particularly when it comes to Salah and Trent. Omar Marmoush, Jamie Gittens, Rodrygo, Dario Osorio are all names that keep cropping up in attack, whilst Jeremie Frimpong and Denzel Dumfries are the latest right-back rumours.

There is a noticeable dearth of centre-back links, however. This is particularly noteworthy when considering that not only could Van Dijk leave at the end of the year, but longest-tenured player Joe Gomez is almost certain to be elsewhere next year too.

What is Romano saying?

This is a trend that was supported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano this week. Writing in his Daily Briefing on Friday, Romano wrote:

“Despite rumours linking centre-backs to Liverpool, I can say that I have nothing to tell you guys about this.” 

“I’d not be surprised if Liverpool decided to sign a new central defender during the 2025 summer transfer window but as of right now, there is nothing concrete regarding names.” Romano continued, “Liverpool are not in direct contact with any centre-backs.”

Instead of reading this as a non-update, it actually provides a very necessary insight into the mindset of Liverpool as a club right now. 

When contrasted with the volume of linked attacking players in-particular, Liverpool not being in direct contact with any centre-backs suggests a high level of confidence in extending Van Dijk’s contract.

Rumours also emerged in the past week of extensions for fellow defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Jarell Quansah. Because of this, I could be suggested that Liverpool trust that the position is covered for at least another year whilst they prioritise other urgent needs.

But, of course, we shouldn’t get comfortable until there are signatures on the dotted line.