Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insists he is not worried about his contract situation, despite his current deal expiring at the end of the 2026–27 season.
The 35-year-old Netherlands international wants to continue playing beyond next summer but has acknowledged that he could leave Anfield if another agreement is not reached.
Van Dijk signed a two-year extension in April 2025, keeping him at Liverpool until June 2027. According to the Press Association, discussions over a further deal have not yet begun.
His comments come after he withdrew from the Netherlands squad because of a fitness problem ahead of Liverpool's Premier League meeting with Manchester United on 22 November.
Virgil van Dijk addresses Liverpool contract uncertainty
Speaking to reporters following Liverpool's 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, Van Dijk said he remained relaxed about his future.
"I feel good, but it's not about me at the moment. Let's see," he said.
"I'm not in any panic whatsoever. I want to keep playing and continue what I'm doing. Let's see what the season brings."
The defender, who turns 36 next July, acknowledged that his career could continue away from Liverpool if the club decide against extending his contract.
"I've had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that's the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else."
Van Dijk also stressed that the absence of an agreement was not causing him concern.
"There's nothing to report at the moment, but that doesn't mean that there's any stress or anything."
The Netherlands international previously signed a late contract extension in April 2025, during Liverpool's successful pursuit of their 20th English league title.
That agreement was announced by Liverpool on 17 April and extended his stay by two years.
Van Dijk has captained the Reds since 2023, having originally joined the club from Southampton in January 2018.
Liverpool captain withdraws from Netherlands squad with fitness issue
Van Dijk will miss the Netherlands' upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Germany after withdrawing from international duty.
The Royal Dutch Football Association confirmed that the defender was not fit enough to participate in the November matches.
According to the Press Association, Van Dijk has been managing a minor calf problem since Liverpool's defeat to Manchester City in October.
Despite the issue, he has played every minute of Liverpool's 10 Premier League matches this season.
"Mentally, I'm in a good place. Physically, I've been struggling with a little niggle the past couple of weeks, but I do everything in my power to be out there," he said.
Liverpool entered the international break fourth in the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace 3–1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak scored for Andoni Iraola's side, who moved to 18 points from 10 matches.
Van Dijk's withdrawal from international duty gives him time to recover before Liverpool resume their league campaign.
Key Points
- Virgil van Dijk says he is not worried about his Liverpool contract, which expires in June 2027.
- The 35-year-old wants to continue playing and acknowledges he could join another club if Liverpool do not extend his deal.
- The defender has withdrawn from Netherlands duty because of a fitness problem after playing every Premier League minute this season.
- Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, 22 November.
What's Next?
Liverpool return to Premier League action against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, 22 November, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 GMT.
Van Dijk will have the international break to recover from his fitness issue, although his availability for the match has not yet been confirmed.
There is no announced timetable for a decision on his Liverpool contract.
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