Liverpool's defensive projects remain uncertain, speculation multiplying around a long stay of Van Dijk at the club. If the Reds always want to extend his contract, the Dutchman suggested that he was not sure of his future.
Van Dijk has played a decisive role in the success of the club over the years and remains the heart of the team's defensive structure. His leadership and his presence have been crucial, and Didi Hamann believes that attaching his services should be the absolute priority of Liverpool.
Virgil van Dijk was seen in great discussion with the president of PSG
In an interview with cardplayer.com, Hamann said: ” Keep Virgil Van Dijk must be the priority for Liverpool, it is the heart of the team. He stabilizes everything and makes other players better. It is a real pillar in defense, and it has been it for several years now, so I think it is the most important. »»
However, Hamann believes that there is still vagueness as to whether Van Dijk has been offered a new contract or if negotiations are underway. A few months before the end of several key contracts, notably those of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, questions arise as to the Liverpool approach in terms of lease renewal.
“This is a strange situation, because we do not know if it has been offered a contract, if it is waiting for more money, or what is the situation. It is therefore very difficult to say ”, he said.
“But I would find it very strange that these players have not been offered a contract. If they have been offered a contract, you should not be too severe with the club, because players might want more money or a longer contract, and negotiations are underway.
“There are about 10 or 12 games left and we don't know what's going to happen with them. When are we going to think of a replacement? It will be too late and it will probably make the players more expensive. I'm sure they are doing their homework and they have players in mind, but it's a very strange situation. Liverpool manages his things differently from other teams and clubs, but it must be said that in the past, that has not done too much trouble.
In the context of uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk, Hamann suggested that Liverpool could make a surprise transfer by recruiting the highly appreciated defender of Everton, Jarrad Branthwaite, to replace Van Dijk. “It's been a while since no one has transferred between Everton and Liverpool. I know that we recently talked about Anthony Gordon, who has this connection with the club ”he said.
“Nicky Barmy did it, but I think the gap between the two clubs is currently so large that Everton supporters would understand if he wanted to go. The gap is important, but I hope it will be reduced and that Everton will progress with its new stadium and will try to return to Europe. We know there is a great rivalry there. But concerning Jarrad Branthwaite, if the interest is there, Liverpool can find a solution.
Liverpool remains firmly at the top of the Premier League title race, with 12 points ahead nine days from the end. His next match is a Mersey derby at Forte against Everton on April 2, a match that could have increased importance given speculation about the future of Branthwaite and the contractual situation of Van Dijk.
