For almost nine years, Virgil van Dijk has been the reassuring constant at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. Now, for perhaps the first time, Anfield has to seriously contemplate what life without its captain might look like.

Van Dijk is into the final year of his Liverpool contract, with his current deal due to expire in the summer of 2027. The 35-year-old recently insisted there is “nothing to report” regarding his future and that his focus remains firmly on the present. 

That follows reports highlighted by Lewis Steele that no discussions have yet taken place over an extension. With Julian Ward recently returning as Liverpool’s sporting director, the Dutchman’s future is quickly becoming one of the most significant decisions awaiting him. Ward replaced Richard Hughes in September and has been tasked with helping guide Liverpool through another period of transition alongside Andoni Iraola. 

It is difficult to overstate Van Dijk’s impact since his £75million arrival from Southampton in January 2018. He scored the winner against Everton on his debut and went on to become the defensive cornerstone of one of Liverpool’s greatest modern sides.

By June this year, he had made 374 appearances and scored 36 goals for the club, collecting two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup along the way. 

Even at 35, there has been little indication that Van Dijk is ready to surrender his place.

Under Iraola this season, he has started and completed all five of Liverpool’s Premier League matches, helping them record clean sheets against Ipswich and Bournemouth. Liverpool have endured an inconsistent beginning under their new head coach, but Van Dijk remains the organiser and authoritative voice of a defence adapting to Iraola’s demands. 

His durability is arguably even more remarkable. Van Dijk played every minute of Liverpool’s 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the only outfield player in the division to achieve that feat. 

That leaves Ward with a delicate balancing act. Liverpool cannot ignore Van Dijk’s age. A new long-term contract carrying significant wages would naturally come with risk, and succession planning at centre-back has to be part of Ward’s work. 

But replacing Van Dijk is not simply about finding somebody younger or quicker. Liverpool would be replacing their captain, organiser, aerial presence and one of the defining players of their modern era.

A shorter extension, potentially one or two years could therefore represent the sensible middle ground, particularly if Van Dijk maintains his current level while Iraola reshapes the side.

There is still time for negotiations, and some reports suggest Liverpool remain open to extending his stay if his performances continue. 

But allowing the clock to run too far would be dangerous. Ward has plenty waiting in his in-tray after returning to Anfield, but deciding whether Liverpool are ready to say goodbye to Virgil van Dijk might be the hardest decision of them all.

Do you think Virgil van Dijk still has another season in him at Liverpool? Leave your thoughts and comments below.