Liverpool are reportedly preparing to offer captain Virgil van Dijk a new contract despite concerns surrounding his age, with the club increasingly convinced that retaining the experienced defender would be important for their long-term ambitions. The Dutch international continues to play a significant role in the team's defensive organisation, and his leadership qualities have reportedly influenced the club's decision to consider extending his stay at Anfield.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has already made his position regarding Van Dijk's future clear, with the club now considering negotiations over a fresh contract. Although the defender is approaching the later stages of his career, his performances and influence within the dressing room have convinced the Liverpool hierarchy that he still has plenty to offer.

Van Dijk is currently contracted to Liverpool until June 2027 after signing a two-year extension in April 2025. The 35-year-old is also reportedly the highest-paid player at the club, earning approximately £350,000 per week. His financial demands and age could ordinarily make another contract extension difficult, but Liverpool are understood to recognise the importance of keeping such an experienced figure within their squad.

Despite his advancing years, the Netherlands international remains an important component of Liverpool's defensive structure. His positioning, ability to read attacking situations, aerial strength and experience continue to make him a formidable opponent for opposition forwards. Beyond his individual defensive qualities, Van Dijk also provides organisational leadership that helps maintain discipline across the backline.

His influence has reportedly extended to the development of younger defenders, particularly Jeremy Jacquet, who has been adapting to the demands of Premier League football. Van Dijk is understood to have played an important mentoring role in helping the youngster settle into life at Anfield.

Jacquet's impressive performances since joining Liverpool have reportedly benefited from the guidance and experience of the club captain. Having an established defender available to provide instructions, encouragement and tactical advice has been valuable to the youngster's development. Liverpool therefore believe that retaining Van Dijk could benefit not only the immediate performance of the team but also the progress of their emerging defensive talents.

Liverpool's hierarchy have traditionally approached contract extensions for ageing players with considerable caution. The club generally prefers to avoid committing substantial financial resources to footballers approaching the final stages of their careers. However, Van Dijk's importance appears to have encouraged the decision-makers to reconsider their usual approach.

The situation involving Mohamed Salah, who departed after agreeing new contractual terms, has also highlighted some of the challenges associated with retaining established players. Nevertheless, Liverpool reportedly believe Van Dijk's circumstances deserve separate consideration because of his continued contribution and influence.

TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has indicated that Liverpool are becoming increasingly confident about retaining their captain. According to his assessment, Van Dijk still has at least another year remaining on his current agreement, meaning the club have sufficient time to discuss his future without immediately facing the possibility of losing him.

Bailey also highlighted the defender's leadership qualities, describing his ability to organise and guide team-mates during matches as an important part of his value. Van Dijk's reliability, consistent performances and influence within the dressing room are reportedly among the major reasons Liverpool are determined to keep him.

The club are therefore expected to begin discussions in early 2027 regarding an extension that would keep the Dutch defender at Anfield beyond his current contractual arrangement. Such negotiations would provide an opportunity for both parties to agree on terms that reflect his importance while considering his age and future role within the squad.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are continuing to examine their options for strengthening the central defensive department. Although retaining Van Dijk remains a priority, the club understand that they must gradually prepare for the future by developing younger defenders and identifying suitable long-term replacements.

Jacquet and young Italian defender Giovanni Leoni are among those expected to benefit from continuing their development alongside the experienced captain. Liverpool believe that working with a defender of Van Dijk's experience could help them improve their understanding of positioning, defensive organisation and decision-making.

Ronald Araujo has also emerged as a potential option for Liverpool's future defensive plans. The club are reportedly considering whether to activate the €55 million purchase option included in his loan arrangement, which could provide another possible solution as they prepare for future changes to their backline.

Although Liverpool will eventually need to identify a long-term successor to Van Dijk, the club's current position suggests they are not prepared to rush his departure. Instead, they appear increasingly interested in extending his stay and allowing their younger defensive options to continue learning from one of the team's most influential players.