Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has urged the club to extend Virgil van Dijk’s contract, insisting the defender still has plenty to offer despite approaching the latter stages of his career.

According to a report by FootballTransfers on Sunday, 18 October 2026, Souness believes Liverpool should offer their captain a one-year extension with the option of an additional season as his current deal approaches its expiry.

The Netherlands international is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and could leave as a free agent next summer if fresh terms are not agreed.

Van Dijk previously faced uncertainty over his future before signing a two-year extension in 2025. However, his long-term position at Liverpool is again attracting attention as the club considers its defensive options.

Speaking to The Mirror, Souness backed the 35-year-old to continue playing at the highest level.

“I think there's still life left in Virgil, but what is he 35 now? I think there's definitely another year left on him,” Souness said.

The former Liverpool midfielder also dismissed suggestions that Van Dijk has declined significantly since suffering a serious knee injury following a challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in 2020.

“I mean, people criticized him when he got that terrible injury from the Everton goalkeeper Pickford, but he came back from that and it's a lazy thing to say, he's not the same player. I didn't see that.”

Souness believes Liverpool should protect their investment in the defender rather than risk losing an experienced leader without receiving a transfer fee.

“I'll be giving him another year anyway with an option to take a second year because he's a Rolls-Royce of a player. And if anything, he's got better the longer he's been at Liverpool,” he added.

Van Dijk remains an important figure in Liverpool's defence and has developed a partnership with summer signing Jeremy Jacquet during the opening weeks of the 2026-27 campaign.

Liverpool must also consider the long-term availability of Giovanni Leoni, who is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered on his debut last season.

Finding a suitable replacement for Van Dijk could prove expensive, making contract negotiations an important consideration for the club's hierarchy.