Arne Slot gives big hint on Virgil van Dijk’s future at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken of the club’s inevitable future without captain Virgil van Dijk, insisting that while the defender is still important, management is already preparing for a change.

Speaking ahead of the crucial clash with Manchester City, Slot insisted Liverpool’s recruitment strategy is based on long-term stability rather than active “fear”.

The comments come after the Reds secured a €60 million deal for Rennes’ 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet, who is widely tipped to step into the Dutchman’s shoes.

Slot puts Liverpool in charge of Virgil van Dijk

Slot did not hide the reality of aging stars, noting that while Van Dijk’s contract expires in June 2027, the club must look ahead.

Speaking to the media before the game against City, he said (via BBC Sport): “Everything that is done here is not due to panic, it is always a long-term idea or something that has been thought about for a long time and not just one person.

“Yes, we know that Virgil will not play for 10 years, but he has a year and a half. [of] remaining contract, so he will stay with us then, maybe even longer if he continues to be in good shape like he is now.

“What a compliment to him at his age to play every three days, not only now in our team but also in his country for seven or eight months.

“I hope he can stay healthy for many years but this club is not stupid, we know something in the coming years that there is life for this club after Virgil.

“You talk about Virgil but I can say this for all positions. This club is not only thinking about the short term but also the medium and long term.”

? “There is life for this club without Virgil.”

Arne Slot talks about Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool future. pic.twitter.com/xOPKNTKrGt

-BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 5, 2026

Van Dijk has been an outstanding servant for Liverpool

Since his £75 million move from Southampton in 2018, Virgil Van Dijk has enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in Liverpool’s modern history.

Having led the team to Premier League and Champions League titles, his influence remains huge.

Even at the age of 34, his stats remain at a high level. This season, he has won more aerial awards (119) than any other defender in the Premier League.

Van Dijk can play at the elite level for several more years

Despite the club signing young players such as Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, Van Dijk’s fitness proves he can continue to play at the highest level for several more years.

The manager suggested that as long as robust standards remain in place, an extension beyond 2027 is a real possibility.

With his leadership in the dressing room and his unparalleled reading of the game, Van Dijk remains at the gold standard.

While the club is smartly building its medium to long-term future, the focus remains on the man who redefined Liverpool’s defence.