Staff Reporter.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is unwilling to commit his future to the Reds until he has clarity over the club’s long-term vision, as he waits on the club’s next move.
Van Dijk is one of three star names whose contracts need sorting ahead of 2025, alongside Mohammed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Asked if he sees himself being part of the next era after Jurgen Klopp leaves the club, Van Dijk said: ‘That’s a big question. I don’t know.’ Klopp will be joined in departing by sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, plus coaches Pep Lijnders, Peter Krawietz and Vitor Matos.
Klopp has suprisingly announced that he will leave the Reds at the end of the season.
Van Dijk was signed by the German from Southampton for £75m in January 2018 and the 32-year-old defender’s contract at the club runs out in summer 2025.
Liverpool assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will also leave the Merseyside club along with Klopp.
“The club will have a big job on their hands, that is well known,” said Van Dijk, who was speaking after scoring in his side’s 5-2 FA Cup fourth-round win against Norwich City on Sunday in the first game following Klopp’s announcement.
“To replace not only the manager but the whole staff and there are so many things that will change.
“I’m very curious which direction that will go in, but when that will be announced we will see our situation.”
Liverpool are challenging for trophies on four fronts as they remain in the FA Cup, are top of the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup final and are in the last 16 of the Europa League.
“It will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era – I am still part of it that’s why I don’t like to talk about it – and that is my main focus,” added Van Dijk.
“Hopefully, we will have the success we all dream of and by then probably there will be more clarification about what the club wants for the future and then we will see.”