Virgil Van Dijk Unsure If He Will Stay at Liverpool Beyond Jurgen Klopp Era

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk could follow manager Jurgen Klopp out of the Anfield exit door later this year.

Klopp announced last week that he will stand down from his position at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz will also move on in the summer, as will elite development coach Vitor Matos.

Klopp's departure will likely force some players to consider their futures too.

Van Dijk was asked following Sunday's 5-2 win over Norwich whether he saw himself being a part of the post-Klopp era at Anfield.

The Dutchman replied, as quoted by The Athletic: "That's a big question. I don't know."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk pictured celebrating after scoring a goal in a 5-2 win over Norwich City in the FA Cup on Sunday

IMAGO/Propaganda Photo/David Rawcliffe

Van Dijk was then reminded that he has just 18 months remaining on his contract.

"That is correct - good maths," he hit back. "Listen, I don't know.

"The club will have a big job on their hands. That is well known. To replace the manager and replace not only the manager, the staff are leaving too, and there are so many things that will change.

"So the club has a big job on its hands and I am very curious which direction that will go in. But when that will be announced we will see our situation, I can't say now."

Klopp has been in charge at Liverpool since October 2015. He signed Van Dijk from Southampton in January 2018 for £75 million.

Van Dijk has lifted seven trophies during his time with the Reds and could add to that tally in the coming months as Klopp's men are currently top of the Premier League table and still in the UEFA Europa League, EFL Cup and FA Cup.

When asked about the Klopp era, Van Dijk said: "I am very glad that I am still part of it. That is why I don't like to speak about it. I am still part of it. That is my main focus now and we will see at the end of the season.

"Hopefully we have the success that we all dream of and fight for each and every day. By then there will probably be more clarification about what the club wants for the future and then we will see."

Jurgen Klopp (left) and Van Dijk pictured congratulating each other following a 6-0 win over Leeds in February 2022

IMAGO/PA Images/Peter Byrne