Liverpool have been urged by former defender Marcus Babbel to make sure they keep Virgil van Dijk as the Dutchman inches closer to his contract’s summer expiry.
The 2024/25 season has been a confusing one for Liverpool fans. While the Reds are absolutely flying and potentially on course for a treble, they’re also at risk of losing three of the best players in the world.
Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are in the final months of their Liverpool contracts and until FSG new hire Richard Hughes works magic in his new sporting director role, they will leave the club at the end of the season.
Liverpool urged to do everything possible to keep Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool have been told by former Reds defender Marcus Babbel to make sure the Dutch skipper is still at the club next season.
Speaking to Liverpool.com, Babbel said: “I hope he will sign.
“For me, he is still one of the best centre-backs in the world. He is playing a fantastic season and he is so important for this team. He is an absolute leader.
“Virgil van Dijk in this form can play easily two or three more years for Liverpool because he is outstanding.
“He is the best [defender of his generation]. He comes from a very bad injury and he is playing unbelievable. He is not doing mistakes; he is always in the right position; he gives the other players around him a good feeling.
“Even if he is not in the best form — maybe some games — he gives the players around him a good feeling. This is what great players are doing and he is one of the best. For me, he is maybe the best in the world. He was one of the best signings ever. They spent a lot of money on him from Southampton but Liverpool did everything right.
“Jonathan Tah is a free transfer next year so if he will go, as Liverpool I would try to get him. He is a strong fella — a similar player to Virgil van Dijk. But I still think Van Dijk will stay in Liverpool because it is the best club in the world.
“I don’t see him somewhere. Where do you want to go? Saudi Arabia? No! He can’t do it! He earns enough money. He is in the best place so stay there.”
