With long-time head coach Jurgen Klopp set to leave Liverpool at the end of this season, a cloud of shadow has been cast over the Merseyside club. Earlier this season, Klopp announced that he would be stepping down as Liverpool’s manager after the current season came to an end. However, in his final season, Jurgen Klopp’s farewell plan hasn’t been going smoothly.
Liverpool, who were in the hunt for the Premier League trophy until a few weeks ago, have been practically ruled out of the title race. A crushing defeat against Atalanta in the Europa League quarterfinals was a second blow. In the aftermath of Klopp’s impending departure, and consecutive poor results on the pitch, skipper Virgil van Dijk is contemplating his future at the club.
🚨 Virgil van Dijk’s future is a top priority for incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot with Dortmund leading several European clubs set to pursue the defender.
(Source: Sunday Mirror) pic.twitter.com/b5TR484JPa
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 28, 2024
According to reports, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is unhappy at the club and is thinking of an exit. There has been alleged interest from Borussia Dortmund, and some other clubs in Europe. Since he arrived in 2018, Van Dijk has been an integral part of Klopp‘s team that has achieved massive success in the last few years. Moreover, the Dutch defender has just one year left on his Liverpool contract.
Although, it is being reported that Virgil van Dijk‘s future at the club is the top priority for Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot. It has been confirmed by Italian soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano that current Feyenoord manager Arne Slot will be Liverpool’s new coach next season. However, if Van Dijk chooses to leave the club at the end of this season, it would be a huge blow to Slot’s plans for his new club.
Arne Slot confirms his intention of coaching Liverpool
In the last few weeks, Liverpool fans have been bubbling with anticipation over who will take over the reins after Jurgen Klopp’s departure. The wait is finally over for the fans who were growing desperate as Arne Slot has been all but confirmed as Liverpool’s new manager. A few days ago, Slot confirmed the rumors by admitting that the English club is in contact with Feyenoord to reach an agreement over the former’s signing.
🔴🔐 Liverpool and Feyenoord have prepared all the documents for Arne Slot deal to be completed.#LFC will pay €9m plus €2m for Slot, total package with backroom staff in excess of €13m. Payment terms: one year.
Sipke Hulshoff and Ruben Peeters will be part of Slot’s staff. pic.twitter.com/EMokPKlSO7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 28, 2024
While there hasn’t been an official update yet, Fabrizio Romano, whose words are as good as gold in the soccer world, has revealed that the clubs have finally reached an agreement over Slot’s move. The two clubs have completed all the due proceedings and have also agreed over the compensation. Liverpool will pay Feyenoord around $14 million for acquiring Slot, including his backroom staff.
Virgil van Dijk calls out Liverpool after their title ambitions take a huge hit
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk has recently called out his Liverpool teammates after the club suffered yet another defeat in the Premier League. In their last four league games, Liverpool has won only once, drawn against West Ham, and lost twice against Crystal Palace and Everton. The drop in points has proved to be a huge blow to the club’s remaining hopes of winning the league title once again.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has questioned his side’s DESIRE to win the Premier League after losing to rivals Everton. 😳
“Do they really want to win the league?
“Everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performance and think if they gave everything,” he… pic.twitter.com/IiR3PY0ivV
— KiX Football Game (@kix_digital) April 25, 2024
Following the defeat against their bitter rivals Everton, Van Dijk pulled no punches and harshly criticized his team’s performance. He said, “Do they really want to win the league?” Van Dijk further added that every player should have a long look in the mirror and question their commitment to the club. While the 32-year-old refused to point out names, he did blame the entire team as a whole.