Virgil van Dijk has claimed he has “three or four years” left at the top level, as the Liverpool star dropped a major hint about his contract situation.
Van Dijk, along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is among three Liverpool stars whose current contracts will expire at the end of the season.
The trio of players will be eligible to discuss a free transfer with other clubs given they have less than six months left on their deals, starting in January.
And Dutch star Van Dijk appears to have directed a direct comment at the club.
talking to Amazon PrimeHe said: 'I love the club, the club loves me. I love the fans, the fans love me and it's a very good foundation to be successful.
'In my opinion I can play at least another three or four years at the highest level. We will see what the future holds for us.”
Virgil van Dijk has stated that he can play at the highest level for “three or four” more years
Arne Slot's team has not yet reached a contract extension with the Dutch central defender
Earlier this month, Van Dijk was offered a new contract but there was reportedly no progress in negotiations with the 33-year-old.
In the same interview, Van Dijk suggested that he aims to become the first Dutch captain to lead his team to the Premier League title.
“It's not about me, but I would love to be the first (the Dutch player),” Van Dijk added. 'I think it's there. That's why we work as a team.”
Earlier in the week, Jamie Carragher, Jamie Redknapp and Les Ferdinand weighed in on Liverpool's contract conundrum.
When presented with the ultimatum of choosing one of the three players to stay at Liverpool, Carragher singled out Van Dijk.
“I'd probably say Van Dijk, but I'm pretty sure Van Dijk and Salah will stay,” the Liverpool legend said.
“The only concern is Trent because of the situation he's in, but I'm sure the other two will sign.”
Redknapp shared Carragher's sentiments, arguing that the Dutchman is an irreplaceable giant in Liverpool's defence.
Mohamed Salah (centre) also has an expiring deal with the Merseyside giants.
Full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest star of the Liverpool trio who have expired deals
“I would go with Virgilio. “Yes, because he is just imperious and still plays at such a high level that I wouldn't want to lose any of them,” he said.
“I think Liverpool have always had the ability, even when I was there over the years, (to replace superstars).
'Where Rush goes and then Fowler appears, and then Owen appears, and then Torres arrives, and Suárez arrives, and then Salah.
“They seem to turn forwards into superstars. Then they will find someone. But I don't know where in world football you can find someone to replace Virgil.
Ferdinand's judgment made the decision unanimous, with the former Tottenham striker also highlighting the importance of the 2019 Ballon d'Or runner-up in Liverpool's defence.
“The way (Van Dijk) marshals Liverpool's defense and the way he is so calm, he would be the one I would be desperate to keep,” he said.