Sources: Liverpool close to agreeing contract for ‘£100m’ star…

Liverpool Football Club is closing in on a monumental agreement that will see defensive stalwart Virgil van Dijk commit his future to Anfield. According to sources at Football Insider, the Reds are on the verge of securing a new contract for the Dutch international, further stabilizing the club’s core as they enter a new era under Arne Slot.

This significant development follows closely on the heels of Mohamed Salah’s recent contract extension, which was officially announced in April. Together, the deals for Van Dijk and Salah are valued at over £100 million — not just in direct wages, but in what it would cost Liverpool to replace players of such immense quality in today’s transfer market.

Despite entering the twilight of their careers, with Van Dijk now 33 and Salah 32, both players remain pivotal to Liverpool’s immediate ambitions. Slot has reportedly made it clear that both figures are central to his tactical plans, and the club’s hierarchy appears to be fully backing him in this direction.

Van Dijk, who took on the captain’s armband following Jordan Henderson’s departure, has been a rock at the heart of Liverpool’s defense since his arrival in 2018. His leadership, experience, and aerial dominance have been crucial in the club’s domestic and European successes. A new two-year deal is said to be in the works, mirroring the length of Salah’s recent renewal.

Liverpool has been confident about retaining both of their senior stars for months. Reports from Football Insider in December 2024 revealed that the club was in advanced stages of negotiations with both players, aiming to avoid the risk of losing them on free transfers or at reduced fees.

However, not everything is smooth sailing. There is increasing speculation surrounding the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has attracted strong interest from Real Madrid. The club had initially hoped to renew contracts with Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold simultaneously, but Trent’s situation remains unresolved.

The uncertainty has pushed Liverpool to begin laying contingency plans. According to a February update from Football Insider, the club is actively scouting new centre-backs, aiming to bolster their backline regardless of Van Dijk’s contract situation. It’s part of a wider plan by Arne Slot to reinforce the squad and ensure that Liverpool remains competitive at the highest level.

Beyond defensive concerns, the club is also keeping a close eye on their attacking options. Salah’s contract might be secure, but the Reds are preparing for the future. West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen has emerged as a serious target for Liverpool, viewed both as a long-term replacement for Salah and as an alternative to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

The re-signing of both Salah and Van Dijk is a massive morale booster for the club, especially as they chase the Premier League title. Slot is expected to oversee a significant rebuild over the next few years, and having two experienced leaders on board provides much-needed stability during what could be a turbulent transition.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Liverpool may lose up to ten key players in the next two to three years. These potential departures include high-profile names like Alisson Becker, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konaté, and even Van Dijk himself — if the contract talks were to stall.

In addition to those names, Kostas Tsimikas, Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Núñez are also being monitored by clubs across Europe. With the future of so many players in flux, Liverpool’s decision to lock down their most senior stars now reflects a strategic push to maintain a strong foundation while planning for the next generation.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s contract negotiations with Van Dijk represent more than just a player signing on the dotted line. It is a declaration of intent — a message to fans, rivals, and potential new signings that Liverpool is still a club with ambition, identity, and a clear roadmap under its new leadership.

As the 2024/25 season draws toward its conclusion, the coming weeks could define the shape of Liverpool’s squad for years to come. And while the prospect of losing young stars like Alexander-Arnold remains a concern, keeping veterans like Van Dijk and Salah ensures that the torch of leadership will not be extinguished at Anfield.