Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists he’ll “go somewhere else” if the Reds don’t extend his contract, and a report has outlined the current thinking amongst the Reds’ hierarchy.

Van Dijk remains a truly world class operator despite now being deep into his thirties. The Dutchman is 35 and turns 36 next July. At that age, the vast majority of professional footballers have long since retired, though Van Dijk is no ordinary footballer.

Van Dijk is into his tenth season at Anfield and his current contract is due to expire next summer.

In quotes carried by Fabrizio Romano, the defender insisted he won’t retire if leaving the Reds at season’s end, and will instead continue playing elsewhere.

As such, there is a scenario where Van Dijk plays against Liverpool in upcoming seasons.

Van Dijk could play against Liverpool

Van Dijk said: “I feel good but it’s not about me at the moment. Let’s see. I’m not in any panic.

“I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing. Let’s see what the season brings.

“I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that’s the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else.

“There’s nothing to report at the moment but that doesn’t mean that there’s any stress or anything”

Mercifully for everyone of a Liverpool persuasion, the current thinking inside the club is fresh terms will be put to Van Dijk.

Liverpool plan to offer contract extension

That’s according to our colleagues over on TEAMtalk, with their insider, Graeme Bailey, detailing the latest on Van Dijk’s situation last weekend.

Asked whether the Dutchman is in line to receive a new deal, Bailey replied: “Yeah, that is the talk at the moment. Obviously he’s out of contract in the summer, he’s going to be another year older as well.

“He signed a huge contract back in 2025. Everyone thought this might be his final farewell tour, but he’s actually had a very good season.

“It’s part of the reason why we’re seeing Jeremy Jacquet playing ever so well. You’ve got [Giovanni] Leoni there as well, the young Italian central defender.

“From what I’m hearing, Andoni Iraola really wants to keep him (Van Dijk) around. Captain figure – it’s like having a coach on the pitch.

“He’s not missing any games, he’s playing really well. I’m told there’s every chance he gets another 12 months at least.

“It doesn’t stop them [from] bringing another centre-half in. But learning from Van Dijk, these youngsters… I’m told Jacquet is learning so much playing next to him.”