Liverpool has suspended contract negotiations with Virgil van Dijk due to the Slot decision

Liverpool are believed to have suspended contract talks with their captain Virgil van Dijk ahead of the summer transfer window, despite new manager Arne Slot wanting to keep hold of the centre-back.

The Dutch star’s current contract at Anfield expires in 2025 and Slot will be keen to tie his compatriot down to a new deal as the centre-back has been key to Liverpool’s success in recent years.

According to Football Insider, the Premier League giants have suspended contract negotiations as they look to focus on bringing in new players during the summer transfer window. That is the priority for now, with the Merseyside club keen to give the new manager the best chance to compete next season.

However, with months left on his contract and Van Dijk able to talk to foreign clubs from January, this looks like a risky move by Liverpool.

The longer the Reds wait, the greater the chances of someone like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich coming in with a big offer to turn the Dutch captain’s head.

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Virgil van Dijk is still a key part of Liverpool’s future

It goes without saying that Van Dijk is still a big part of Liverpool’s future, despite the defender turning 33 this summer. The centre-back is still the best in the world in his position and will be a key man in helping Slot settle at Anfield.

Liverpool fans will not want to see the Dutch star leave anytime soon as their captain has been crucial during Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club, with the pair winning everything since the player joined in 2018.

Van Dijk is likely to sign new terms with Liverpool at some point this year, but the Reds are playing with fire as other clubs will surely try to persuade him to leave.