Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher says there is every chance that Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk can emulate Chelsea defender Thiago Silva and play until his late 30s.

However, despite claiming that the Netherlands captain has many years left ahead of him, Carragher doesn’t know whether he will be playing at Anfield beyond the end of his current contract:

“As the new Liverpool captain, Van Dijk’s next trophy at Anfield will feel as rewarding as any. He may feel time is running out. His contract expires in 2025. Given he will be nearly 34 by then, Fenway Sports Group’s model suggests he is unlikely to get another on the same terms – in excess of £300,000 a week – as he commands right now.”

“There has been a rush to speculate as to how and when Liverpool will ever replace Van Dijk. Chelsea’s Thiago Silva proves age can just be a number for the greatest centre-backs.”

“Liverpool are unlikely to ever find a defender comparable to the one they signed in 2018, but a young defender as good as Van Dijk is in 2023 would still be worth £75 million.”

Will Liverpool hand van Dijk a new contract?

The centre-back is currently earning around £220,000 a week and, if van Dijk does demand an increase when negotiations begin over an extension, it’s hard to see the Reds agreeing due to his age.

There is certainly a good case for saying that van Dijk has many more years left in him but he would probably have to accept a more modest wage to stay.

Are Liverpool looking at replacements for van Dijk?

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio and Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. Both are left-footed centre-halves who would slot in where van Dijk currently plays.

It remains to be seen, though, whether they are being targeted as replacements or simply as understudies. It is a question that may be answered next summer.

Watch the VTF Football Show on Shots!TV as our pundits discuss whether Liverpool are the real deal