'Serious' Virgil van Dijk contract talks confirmed

Liverpool are exceeding the expectations of almost everyone this season and currently sit top of both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League tables.

Despite the early success of the season there is a potential disaster looming just down the road for the Reds, the effects of which could be catastrophic.

READ MORE: Liverpool star is set to STAY after months of rumours

Club captain Virgil van Dijk, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and talisman Mohamed Salah all have less than six months remaining on their contracts at Anfield and it is a real possibility that all three leave Liverpool for free in the summer.

Although Salah and Alexander-Arnold have both been the subject of heavy speculation, a lot less has been said about Van Dijk, but recent reports seem to suggest his future could soon be decided.

Al-Hilal negotiating with Van Dijk

It was believed that Liverpool’s captain was the closest of the out-of-contract trio to extending his stay in Merseyside but reports this week have revealed that the Dutchman is now close to agreeing a move to reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal.

Now, an update from Al Jazeera Sport on X, formerly Twitter, has offered more insight into the situation between Van Dijk and Al-Hilal.

“Al-Hilal has initiated serious negotiations with Liverpool's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk to sign him next summer before the Club World Cup in America,” the post read. “According to sources, Al Hilal's president, Fahd bin Nafel, has already met with the player's agent in London.”

This comes just days after similar reports claimed that Van Dijk was ‘very close’ to agreeing the move.

Van Dijk’s future

Mohamed Salah has spoken out about his contract situation at Liverpool multiple times, admitting that this could be his final season at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold has also spoken publicly about his potential renewal on multiple occasions, but Van Dijk has been a fairly closed book.

Talk of either an extension or a move away almost disappeared over the Christmas period when the rumour mill was going into overdrive about his two teammates.

The overall lack of speculation surrounding Van Dijk is what makes the recent reports about a move to the Saudi Pro League so concerning.

Van Dijk has remained committed to Liverpool on the pitch, putting in some great displays over the course of the season so far, and supporters can only ask that this dedication to the team continues, whether Van Dijk is staying or going.

Only time will tell whether this is Van Dijk’s last season at Anfield, but supporters will hope that the extension that was reportedly close before Christmas materialises and that one of the greatest defenders of all time remains a Liverpool player.

READ MORE: Liverpool forward makes transfer U-TURN