Everton icon plays unlikely role in Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool contract decision

Virgil van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season (Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Ronald Koeman, the former Everton manager and current coach of Holland, is reportedly instrumental in persuading Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk to stay put. Koeman visited the Reds' captain at his Manchester home earlier this season, urging him not to retire from international football following the disappointment of England defeating Holland in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

He wants Van Dijk to lead the Dutch team into the 2026 World Cup finals. Koeman has made it clear that only those playing at the top level will be considered for selection, and he believes the Premier League is the best league worldwide, according to the Mirror.

With Van Dijk's contract ending this season, there has been significant interest from the Saudi Pro League. The Dutch player could potentially follow his close friend Gini Wijnaldum to earn a substantial fortune in the desert.

However, Wijnaldum has lost his place in the Dutch squad, as have ex-Spurs winger Steven Bergwijn after moving to the Middle East and former Manchester United striker Memphis Depay after transferring to Brazilian club Corinthians.

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In Holland, there's a strong belief that Virgil van Dijk is eager to strike a deal to stay with Liverpool, avoiding the fate of others who have left for less competitive leagues. Koeman has made his stance clear: "The book is basically closed to Bergwijn. He knows what I think about playing in these sort of leagues. When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make."

Ronald Koeman wants Virgil van Dijk to spearhead the Netherlands squad at the 2026 World Cup (Image: ANP via Getty Images)

The Dutch manager also observed Wijnaldum under Steven Gerrard at El-Ettifaq and found the football level lacking.

Virgil van Dijk is under pressure to stay in the Premier League (Image: ANP via Getty Images)

However, he doesn't see Van Dijk following the same path. Koeman expressed his confidence after meeting with Van Dijk: "I thought it was so important to go to him to Virgil to understand his real feelings."

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"I wanted to know if he was going to give it his all for another two years at the highest level and if he still saw a future for himself. He does - and I feel the same with him. All doubt is gone. He just goes on."

Everton icon plays unlikely role in Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool contract decision

Everton icon plays unlikely role in Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool contract decision

Everton icon plays unlikely role in Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool contract decision

Everton icon plays unlikely role in Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool contract decision

Everton icon plays unlikely role in Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool contract decision