Virgil van Dijk revealed he has held talks with new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, as he confirmed his commitment to captaining the club next season.
Slot faces the difficult task of replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, with the Dutchman leaving Feyenoord and signing a three-year contract to become Liverpool’s head coach.
Klopp has backed his replacement to succeed, leading Liverpool fans in chanting Slot’s name after the final match of the Premier League season against Wolves, and Van Dijk has also thrown his support behind his new boss.
The 32-year-old does, however, faces an uncertain future at Liverpool, as he enters the final 12 months of his current contract. Van Dijk recently stated “nothing is on the table” in terms of a new deal, confirming no progress had been made in discussions.
As it stands, the centre-back will be able to leave the club as a free agent next summer, but he has made it clear he intends to be a Liverpool player at the start of the new season, with Slot assuring him the captain’s armband will not be changing hands.
"I have full trust in the club and their decisions going forward"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 26, 2024
Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool's appointment of Arne Slot 🔴🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ad81UKWtQA
“That felt good,” Van Dijk told NOS when asked about talks with Slot.
“We discussed everything. About the squad, but also about my personal situation. I am and will remain the captain and still have one year left on my contract.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold, currently Liverpool vice-captain, is also out of contract at the end of next season, with no update given on any progress in talks over an extension.
The 25-year-old, like Van Dijk, attended the Monaco Grand Prix over the weekend, and he was asked whether Liverpool can expect it to be a smooth transition under Slot.
“I hope so, I have trust in the club and who we've appointed,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“As a player, that's all you can ask for: to have trust in what the higher-ups have brought in. I'm sure it will be a smooth transition.”
