Report: Virgil van Dijk gives his final decision to Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk has reportedly given Liverpool his final decision on a new contract. The Dutchman has one year left to run on his current deal.

HITC reports that Virgil van Dijk has communicated to Liverpool that he wants to sign a new contract. Van Dijk has just one year remaining on his current deal, allowing him to sign a pre-contract with someone from January 1st.

The report claims Van Dijk hasn't talked to any other clubs this summer and only wants to negotiate with Liverpool. That's despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia in the Liverpool captain.

His 'top option', though, remains Liverpool and Van Dijk wants to get things sorted this summer.

Of course, Van Dijk isn't the only Liverpool star in this situation. both Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have expiring contract next summer, allowing them to agree to moves away from January.

Getting the three of them tied down - even just for a few more years - is the top priority this summer and more important than any incomings. Not that there have been any of those, either.

Van Dijk wants to stay

Of course, news like this must be taken with a pinch of salt. It is not widely reported that Van Dijk has made his decision and there's still a long way to go here.

For one, he's yet to return from his post-Euro 2024 holiday. Van Dijk is unlikely to make any proper decisions until he's done that and has met with the new head coach and sporting director.

But we'll naturally hope that HITC are spot on here and that Van Dijk remains at Liverpool. He's irreplaceable, really, and will be absolutely vital in this transition period under Arne Slot.

Fingers crossed on a new long-term contract, then. Liverpool are unquestionably better off with Van Dijk staying long-term.