Virgil van Dijk spotted chatting to PSG chiefs after Liverpool defeat as contract stance clear
Virgil van Dijk was spotted chatting to Nasser al-Khelaïfi and Luis Campos following Liverpool's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds crashed out of the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday night, losing 4-1 on penalties to the French giants at Anfield.
Ousmane Dembele fired PSG ahead inside the opening quarter of an hour to level proceedings on aggregate. While Van Dijk managed to keep the Parisians quiet for the remainder of the tie, Liverpool couldn't find an equaliser so the tie went to extra-time and then penalties.
Alisson Becker stole the headlines in the first leg for his heroics, but it was Gianluigi Donnarumma who starred in the shootout, denying Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones from 12 yards. Désiré Doué netted PSG's fourth and final penalty to secure a place in the quarterfinal.
READ MORE: 'I felt that' - Jamie Carragher delivers honest Liverpool assessment after Champions League exit
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After the game, French journalist Josué Cassé spotted Van Dijk deep in conversation with the Parisians' president and sporting director. The 33-year-old defender, who had his shirt in his hand, was chatting to Al-Khelaïfi and Campos at the end of Anfield tunnel.
Last month, Van Dijk pledged his commitment to Liverpool, revealing his future at the club could be resolved within the next two months. The Netherlands international sees his contract expire at the end of the season, along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
"It's all about the next couple of months," said Van Dijk in an interview with Jamie Redknapp for Sky Sports. "To make sure we give everything. We are still in three competitions and we want to be successful in all three of them. And that is the main focus I've got.
"Very, very big plans in that sense. I want to make sure that this team is successful and that's my main focus at the moment. I can't speak about personal conversations that have obviously been going on for a while. I can only say that I am fully committed to the club.
Longue discussion entre Nasser al-Khelaïfi, Luis Campos et Virgil Van Dijk après la qualification du PSG contre Liverpool @footmercato pic.twitter.com/yrsynXdCrJ
— Josué Cassé (@CasseJosue) March 11, 2025
"I love the fans, I love the club. I've had such an amazing time already. Let's see what the future brings. But as long as I'm calm, I think the rest of the world can stay calm as well," added Van Dijk. "When there is a definite answer on my future, it will probably be out. Then everyone can know. I'm quite calm about it.
"It's quite funny because I remember when Gini - obviously a friend of mine - Wijnaldum was out of contract and in his last six months at the club, I said to him I couldn't believe how calm he was.
"But now being in the situation myself, I'm in a very good place. Physically, mentally. The only focus I have at the moment is trying to be successful with Liverpool. That is the main focus. And be the best captain and player I can be for the team and the club.
"What will happen in the future? At this point, I have no idea. But I think in the next couple of months there will definitely be some information about that."
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