Liverpool make decision on defender’s future

Liverpool welcome rivals Chelsea to Anfield on Wednesday evening in what promises to be an entertaining encounter. 

The Reds currently sit top of the Premier League table and hold a two-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, which could be extended to five points if Jurgen Klopp’s side are victorious on Wednesday.

The match will also be Liverpool’s first Premier League game since manager Jurgen Klopp announced that he will depart Anfield at the end of the current campaign.

Now, it appears that the club’s owners are keen to ensure that one of their most important players stays put beyond this summer.

According to Football Insider, those in charge of the club are desperate to ensure that captain Virgil van Dijk stays at the club beyond Klopp’s departure.

The German announced on Friday that he will leave Anfield after almost nine years in charge, and his entire backroom staff are also set to leave.

Van Dijk, 32, joined the Reds from Southampton back in 2018 for a fee of £75 million – at the time a world record for a defender.

Van Dijk’s future has been cast into doubt by Klopp’s impending departure

Since arriving on Merseyside, the Dutchman has established himself as one of the best defenders in world football.

The Netherlands international has made 246 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, scoring an impressive 21 goals.

During his time at Anfield, the former Celtic man has won seven trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League.

Following Klopp’s shock announcement, Van Dijk admitted that he isn’t certain about his own future.

“The club will have a big job on their hands,” he said.

“I’m very curious which direction that will go in, but when that will be announced we will see our situations.”

Liverpool’s owners are also said to be keen to keep hold of talisman Mohamed Salah, who has attracted significant interest from clubs in the Saudi Arabian Pro League.

Last summer the Egyptian was the subject of a £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad, and the Pro League side are expected to revisit their interest this summer.