Virrgil Van Dijk’s future at Liverpool takes shape under Slot

February 6, 2026 Oliver Obel

Liverpool have been through this phase before balancing loyalty to an established leader while quietly preparing for what comes next. As Virgil van Dijk moves deeper into his thirties, the club’s current approach suggests evolution rather than upheaval.

Despite fresh signings and external debate, there is no sense inside Anfield that Van Dijk’s time is nearing an abrupt end.

Slot keeps faith in experience

Van Dijk will turn 35 this summer and remains under contract until 2027. Reporting by GOAL.com indicates that Liverpool’s recent transfer activity reflects long-term squad management rather than an imminent changing of the guard.

While the defender has not been immune to criticism this season, the club continues to value his authority, availability, and role as captain traits that have historically bought senior Liverpool players time during transitional periods.

Slot dismissed any suggestion that recruitment has been driven by urgency.

“Everything that is done here is never in panic,” the Liverpool head coach said. “It's always a long-term idea or something that has been thought about for a long time.”

He added that Van Dijk “will be with us” through the remainder of his deal and “maybe even longer” if his fitness levels remain high.

Recruitment with tomorrow in mind

Liverpool’s agreement to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet for around £60 million fits that thinking. At 20, Jacquet represents future upside rather than an immediate solution, particularly with Ibrahima Konaté approaching the latter stages of his contract.

Club sources view the move as part of a layered defensive plan a model Liverpool have previously used when phasing in successors alongside established figures, rather than removing leaders outright.

Slot has repeatedly emphasized that young signings are expected to develop alongside senior players, not replace them overnight.

Gullit questions recent standards

From outside England, scrutiny has been sharper. Speaking to GamblingInsider, former Netherlands international Ruud Gullit said Van Dijk has not consistently met the standards expected of a Liverpool captain this season.

“I have been critical of Virgil van Dijk several times, because he’s the Liverpool captain,” Gullit said, citing what he described as “strange errors” that have crept into the defender’s performances.

Gullit added that he hopes Van Dijk will recognize those moments and rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most authoritative centre-backs.

Balancing now and next

Slot, however, appears comfortable managing overlapping timelines. He has described Jacquet as “a very big talent” and praised Liverpool’s recruitment staff for securing a highly sought-after prospect amid strong competition.

Liverpool hope Champions League qualification will smooth Jacquet’s integration when he arrives on Merseyside this summer. In the meantime, they sit sixth in the Premier League ahead of a crucial meeting with Manchester City a fixture that underlines why Liverpool believe experience still matters.

Sources: GOAL.com, GamblingInsider