The 33-year-old captain’s Euro 2024 aspirations were shattered when Ollie Watkins scored a 90th-minute winner for England, leading to a 2-1 defeat in Dortmund on Wednesday night. This loss has led Van Dijk to reevaluate his career at both the club and international levels.
With just one year remaining on his current Liverpool contract, the upcoming summer will be crucial in deciding whether Van Dijk remains at Anfield or explores new opportunities. Liverpool is undergoing significant structural changes as they aim to rebuild under new manager Arne Slot, following the remarkable era of Jurgen Klopp. These changes in management could impact Van Dijk’s decision.
Speaking to Reuters, Van Dijk said, “I haven’t the slightest idea right now (about my future). I will think carefully this summer about what I want at the club level and as an international player. Then we’ll go for it again, but first recover from this. After a season like this, where all kinds of things have happened, it gets emotional at the end because you know it’s over.”
As captain of both Liverpool and the Netherlands, Van Dijk has been a vital presence on and off the field. His leadership was crucial during the Euro 2024 tournament, where he started in all six matches for the Netherlands, bringing his total international appearances to 74. As he takes a well-deserved break, his summer decisions will significantly impact both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.