Virgil van Dijk had told reporters he was “not in any panic” over his expiring Liverpool deal. He had read his bosses correctly.

The Anfield hierarchy has settled on a renewal, with TEAMtalk reporting that Iraola and the recruitment team will offer at least another twelve months on top of a contract that runs out at the end of the current season. Goal first reported that a formal proposal is expected to land within days.

The player himself is in no hurry to force it.

“I feel good, but it’s not about me at the moment. Let’s see. I’m not in any panic,” he told reporters during the international break.

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Every minute of ten games

On the pitch, the argument has already been settled. Van Dijk has played every minute of Liverpool’s first ten Premier League matches this season.

Iraola arrived from Bournemouth in the summer and quickly reached the same verdict Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot did before him. The captain stays.

389 games, every major trophy

Van Dijk has worn the armband since Jordan Henderson’s departure in 2023. Since Klopp signed him from Southampton in January 2018 he has made 389 appearances for Liverpool, started 385 of them and won two Premier League titles, two EFL Cups, an FA Cup and the Champions League.

Open to leaving if no deal comes

The patience is not unconditional. Pressed on what happens if Liverpool do not offer fresh terms, Van Dijk said he would simply move on: “If that will be extended, that’s the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else.”

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Van Dijk pulled out of the Netherlands squad for the November Nations League window with a fitness concern. He is due back at Liverpool for their Premier League match against Manchester United on 22 November.

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