Virgil van Dijk left disappointed by opening contract proposal by Liverpool

Liverpool allegedly "fallen short of his expectations" with their initial contract offer to defender Virgil van Dijk, raising questions over his future. Along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, the Dutch captain is one of three key Liverpool players whose contracts are up at the conclusion of the current campaign. 

Negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold are reportedly moving forward, despite Salah, 32, just confirming that he has not received a formal proposal to prolong his contract at Anfield. However, his situation is different since he is a homegrown star and is younger than Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Most of the reports have claimed that when Liverpool presented Van Dijk with an initial contract offer, it "fell short of his expectations". Although discussions are still underway, no significant progress has been made in the parameters of the agreement, which include both monetary compensation and the duration of the contract.

Virgil van Dijk has been instrumental in Liverpool's outstanding defensive performances thus far this season with head coach Arne Slot. With just eight goals conceded in 13 games, the Reds claim to have the English Premier League's meanest defense.

“The most important man for the Dutch national team” : Ruud Gullit

Together with Arne Slot, Liverpool's three Netherlands internationals have contributed significantly to their success; Gravenberch has possibly been the most outstanding of the three. The 22-year-old has really settled in under his countryman since moving from Merseyside during the summer of 2023, and AC Milan great Gullit was effusive in his admiration.

The former AC Milan midfielder said, "Ryan Gravenberch is the revelation of the season. He is fulfilling his promise as a top talent from the Ajax academy. Bayern Munich came too fast and was too ambitious, just like for striker Joshua Zirkzee (who is now at Manchester United). After an adjustment period in Liverpool, Gravenberch’s qualities are fully appreciated under Slot. He can become the most important man for the Dutch national team.”