Virgil van Dijk leaves Netherlands future open ahead of Xavi talks

Virgil van Dijk has yet to decide whether he will continue his international career with the Netherlands, with the Liverpool defender planning talks with new national team coach Xavi Hernandez before making a final decision.

The 35-year-old questioned his Oranje future following the Netherlands' elimination from the 2026 World Cup but has not closed the door on continuing towards Euro 2028.

Van Dijk believes he can still play an important role for his country, although much will depend on whether Xavi shares that view.

Speaking to British media, including The Times, Van Dijk explained that his international future will be determined after a more detailed conversation with the new Netherlands coach.

“I'm going to speak with the new national team coach first,” Van Dijk said. “Then we'll see. It will depend a little bit on that conversation.”

The experienced centre-back made it clear that feeling valued remains an important factor in his decision.

“Everyone wants to feel appreciated, loved and important. I feel that I can still be very valuable and important for the team.”

Van Dijk has been one of the Netherlands' leading figures for several years and currently has 96 international appearances to his name.

Retirement appeared a realistic possibility after the World Cup, when Van Dijk publicly admitted that he was uncertain about continuing at international level.

However, the Liverpool captain also mentioned Euro 2028 as a potential target.

“If the national team coach sees it that way too, then we have another two good years ahead of us,” he said. “If not, we'll see.”

That leaves the decision dependent on both sides. Van Dijk must determine whether he wants to commit to another international cycle, while Xavi must decide how prominently the veteran defender features in his plans.

Reaching Euro 2028 would take Van Dijk towards the latter stages of his playing career, but his comments suggest he remains confident that he can contribute at the highest international level.

A decision may not be far away.

Xavi revealed during his presentation as Netherlands coach that he had already held brief contact with Van Dijk, although the pair were still planning a more extensive conversation.

That discussion is likely to become increasingly important with the next international window approaching.

The Netherlands are scheduled to face Germany and Serbia in the Nations League at the end of September, meaning Xavi will soon need to make decisions regarding the core of his first Oranje squad.

For Van Dijk, that could determine whether his international career ends on 96 caps or continues towards another major tournament.

Van Dijk and Xavi are expected to hold a more detailed conversation before the Netherlands' next international fixtures.

With Nations League matches against Germany and Serbia coming at the end of September, clarity over the captain's Oranje future could arrive when Xavi selects his next squad.