Arne Slot hailed the “incredible” impact Virgil van Dijk has had on Liverpool’s season, as the club’s captain moves closer towards signing a new contract.
The Dutchman’s existing deal expires this summer but he has confirmed that “progress” has been made in talks, with Van Dijk now expected to extend his stay at Anfield for another two years.
That comes after Liverpool announced that Mohamed Salah had put pen to paper on a new deal, as the club move to end speculation over the futures of some of their key stars. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also out of contract at the end of the season, but a free transfer to Real Madrid appears the most likely outcome.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of Liverpool’s match at home to West Ham this weekend, Slot declined to provide an update on Van Dijk’s contract talks, instead pointing to the centre-back’s strong run of form this season.
"I think you know the answer - the boring answer as always,” Slot said.
“We talk about contracts if they are signed. In case with Mo we are talking about it. As long as it's not signed, we are not talking about it.
"I can tell you that I am very happy with Virgil this season. He's been incredible for us - even in the last few games, where maybe there were moments were he could've done better. But if you look at the other 89 minutes, he is such an important player for us.
"Let's hope he can do the same - I just hope with Mo and he can do the same on Sunday again, being our leader again as he has always been this season, against West Ham."
Van Dijk was more forthright last week after Liverpool’s defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Reds; captain has repeatedly said this season that he is “calm” over the situation, and has now provided a positive update on negotiations.
“There is progress, yeah,” Van Dijk said.
“I love the club, I love the fans, and today they were there for us again and we wanted to reward them, but I want them to be there again on Sunday and make the stadium an amazing venue, like always, for us.”
