Liverpool fans are soon to face the reality that Jurgen Klopp will no longer be manager of their club.
There are just two weeks remaining of Klopp’s almost nine-year reign with the Reds. His final game a week on Sunday is sure to be an emotional affair.
Plans are already being formulated for what comes next at Liverpool, with Arne Slot ready to make the jump to Anfield from Feyenoord.
But if the arrival of an exciting coach like Slot will soften the blow, then there could soon be more heartache ahead for Reds supporters. All three of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have just one year left on their respective contracts. Their future’s are up in the air.
After news that Salah is likely to stay with Liverpool and could even sign a new contract though, journalist Graeme Bailey has exclusively told Rousing The Kop whether he expects Van Dijk to do the same.
Graeme Bailey makes Virgil van Dijk prediction
Losing Klopp is of course going to be an enormous blow for Liverpool. But seeing the likes of Salah or Van Dijk go as well would be catastophic.
In some ways though, you can understand FSG’s point of view in allowing them both to get within a year of their end-dates.
Salah will turn 32 this summer while Van Dijk will be 33. As the two top earners at the club, there are question marks over whether handing out another big deal is sensible.
Having said that, Van Dijk in particular has been brilliant this season. He once again looks like what he has been for the past half-decade – the best centre-back on the planet.
As a result, we think Michael Edwards should be leaning towards keeping the Liverpool captain on for a while longer. And, thankfully, Bailey claims that this could yet happen.
“I don’t particularly see Van Dijk going this summer,” explains the journalist. “Again, if he agitates for it, but I don’t see it. I think Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the first deal done, it wouldn’t surprise me if Van Dijk signs an extension at all.”
Should Liverpool extend Virgil van Dijk’s contract
Given his form this season, we think most Liverpool fans would be on the same page in regards to this topic.
Although FSG don’t usually like to extend player’s contracts once they hit 30, sometimes you have to make an exception. Van Dijk is pretty inarguably one of the best to ever play in his position.
When you’ve got a player like that you should do everything you can to keep them for as long as possible. Especially if they’re still hitting the levels that Virgil has been.
Indeed, to let the captain’s contract enter its final year has been called ‘dangerous’ by Alan Shearer. They need to be a little bit careful.
Luckily, it sounds as though Liverpool are well aware of what they’re doing. Fingers crossed we hear more news of Van Dijk signing up for many more years ahead.