Virgil van Dijk has rejoined Liverpool’s first-team training, and his initial remarks upon his return to Melwood reveal much about his current mindset amid his ongoing contract issues.
The Liverpool captain is now in the final year of his contract at Anfield. While there are no significant concerns about him moving to another club this summer, Liverpool supporters are increasingly anxious about his unsettled future.
With him back in Merseyside, there’s growing optimism that serious discussions about his contract will take place with the club’s leadership and the new manager, Arne Slot, who is expected to want to keep his compatriot beyond the end of his current deal, which expires in less than a year.
Van Dijk’s recent comments upon his return suggest that a new contract is likely, as he simply said “welcome home” while meeting the camera crew inside Melwood.
The Dutch defender was the first to appear in a social media video posted on Sunday, featuring the latest players returning for pre-season. Alongside Van Dijk were his Netherlands teammate Cody Gakpo, and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez.
Also present were Copa America stars Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. However, Van Dijk’s arrival attracted the most attention. His greeting to the media team and his smile in front of the camera underscored his sense of belonging at Liverpool.
As he reunites with his teammates and prepares for the new season, Liverpool hopes to finalize his long-term future. Van Dijk had previously expressed uncertainty about his future following the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 semi-final loss to England, mentioning he had “no idea” about his plans for both club and country in an interview with Dutch outlet VI.
No definitive updates on Van Dijk’s future have been announced yet, but further information is expected soon now that he has returned for pre-season training.
