Virgil van Dijk expects Liverpool to be active in the transfer market this summer. During contract talks with the 33-year-old defender, the discussions weren’t just about his own future but also about the direction of the Premier League leaders.
Virgil van Dijk headed Liverpool to a crucial 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, a result that not only strengthened the Reds’ position at the top of the Premier League table but also moved them one major step closer to clinching their second league title of the 21st century.
With just six games remaining, and a commanding thirteen-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, the dream of another championship at Anfield is rapidly becoming a reality.
Van Dijk’s performance against West Ham once again underlined his importance to the team. The Dutch defender was rock-solid at the back and decisive in attack, rising above the defense to nod home the winner in a tightly contested match. His leadership has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s title charge, and it’s no surprise that his future is already a topic of conversation behind the scenes at Anfield.
After the final whistle, Van Dijk spoke to the press with calm confidence but also with an eye on the future. The 33-year-old captain, who joined Liverpool in 2018 and has since become one of the most influential figures in the squad, hinted at his intention to remain with the club beyond the expiration of his current contract. While he didn’t make any firm declarations, he did reveal that his recent contract talks with the club weren’t just about his personal situation they were also centered around the direction Liverpool is planning to take in the coming years.
“If it’s up to me, the club should really push on after this season to maintain our dominance,” Van Dijk said, making it clear that the ambition within the dressing room extends well beyond the current campaign. “It needs to be a big summer. Whatever happens with players leaving or arriving, I believe it has to be a big summer. As far as I know, that’s also the plan, so we have to trust that the board will make smart decisions. Liverpool has to be able to compete for trophies again in the coming years.”
Those comments suggest a captain who is not only thinking about silverware in the short term but also committed to long-term success and determined to see Liverpool remain at the summit of English and European football.
Van Dijk was also quick to acknowledge the difficulty of the current title race. Despite the points gap, he warned against complacency, pointing to how unpredictable the Premier League can be. “We can’t underestimate the Premier League anyone can beat anyone,” he said. “Brentford got a point at Arsenal, Chelsea drew with Ipswich Town, we lost to Fulham… it’s just tough. Every week brings a different challenge.”
This level of humility and realism is perhaps what has made Van Dijk such a respected figure both within the Liverpool squad and across the league. While supporters are already daring to celebrate, Van Dijk’s tone remained focused and grounded.
“We’re six points away from glory,” he calculated, referring to what would mathematically secure the title. “I know what it means for this club and what it could bring us. For the majority of the players, it would be their first time winning the league and that’s something really special. But we’re not there yet. We have to finish the job first.”
His words reflect the mindset instilled in the team under Jürgen Klopp one of resilience, collective focus, and refusal to get ahead of themselves. As Liverpool prepares for the final stretch of what has been an intensely competitive season, the leadership of Van Dijk will be more important than ever. Whether it’s marshalling the defense, delivering in key moments, or helping shape the club’s vision for the future, Van Dijk continues to prove why he is not only the heart of Liverpool’s backline but also the soul of their ambition.
If all goes according to plan, this campaign could end with Van Dijk lifting another Premier League trophy at Anfield and based on his words, it’s clear that he hopes it won’t be the last.
