Liverpool sent clear Virgil van Dijk contract message - 'For Andoni Iraola'
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesVirgil Van DijkLiverpool legend John Barnes has sent a clear message about Virgil van Dijk's contract at Anfield with Andoni Iraola having taken over from Arne Slot as head coach this summerLiverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Alex Pantling - FIFA via Getty Images)Virgil van Dijk turns 35 today but Liverpool legend John Barnes wants him to stay beyond the end of his current contract, which expires next year.Barnes believes that the experience of the Reds' skipper will be vital for new head coach Andoni Iraola, who was appointed to take over from Arne Slot after he was fired following an underwhelming campaign.Alisson Becker appears to be staying put after interest from Juventus, but Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson — two other significant members of the leadership group at Anfield — have already departed, leaving a gap that will need to be filled."I'd like to see Virgil’s contract being extended because for Iraola, he'll need his senior players," Barnes told Betfred. "Those that have been around the block and know the club... so I think it’s important that we keep a hold of Virgil next season."Last week saw Van Dijk linked with a move away from Liverpool, though such suggestions have since been played down.
He only has another 12 months remaining on his deal.Van Dijk issued an emotional statement on social media a few days ago after the Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup by Morocco at the last-32 stage.Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands.(Image: Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images)"As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," Van Dijk wrote. We saw you, and we felt your support every step of the way."While Van Dijk was gutted to go out of the World Cup earlier than anticipated, it does mean that he will return more quickly to pre-season training for Liverpool.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Pre-season properly gets underway next week for those who haven't been at the World Cup.Liverpool.com says: Van Dijk may be turning 35 today, but he remains one of the very best around. A conversation is surely there to be had about extending his deal beyond next summer.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCVirgil Van DijkJohn BarnesAndoni Iraola