Virgil van Dijk has reportedly decided that he wants to stay at Liverpool despite being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. The towering Dutchman has been a mainstay at the back for the Reds over the last few years but is nearing the end of his current deal.
Van Dijk will be out of contract next summer as things stand, with his existing agreement only tying him down until the end of the upcoming season. It has fuelled speculation that he could seek a new challenge when his deal runs out but it seems he is eager to continue his stay at Anfield.
He has already informed Liverpool chiefs of his desire to sign a new contract before his current one expires, according to HITC. It is said that negotiations are expected to get underway in due course, with the Reds eager to keep their star defender for the foreseeable future.
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Arne Slot has reportedly made it clear that he wants Van Dijk to stay as he leads the Merseyside giants into their post-Jurgen Klopp era. Meanwhile, it is also said that Van Dijk has not spoken to any other clubs about potential moves because he only wants to play for Liverpool.
It comes after he was tipped to make a big-money move to Saudi Arabia by former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend, who suggested that a lucrative contract offer could tempt the 33-year-old into leaving.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Townsend said: "At 33, you are now starting to see the finish line. You are aware of it far more. You have to make hay while the sun shines, particularly in the final few years.
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"There are some incredible opportunities for the players today to really go and financially secure not only themselves but future generations. I could understand Virgil van Dijk, at his age, potentially starting to look at offers that could be mind-boggling for him financially."
It was recently claimed by Marca that Al-Nassr were keen on bringing Van Dijk to Saudi Arabia in a highly lucrative deal. They were reportedly willing to offer him the highest salary ever paid to a defender in an attempt to convice him to move to the Gulf state.
Van Dijk was coy when quizzed on his Liverpool future earlier this month, but it seems he has decided to continue in familiar surroundings after reportedly informing the club that he wants to stay.
Asked if he was planning on leaving the Reds after the Netherlands were knocked out of Euro 2024 by England, Van Dijk said: "I haven't got the slightest idea right now. I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player, then we'll go for it again."
