Liverpool walked away with a 4-3 win over Villarreal to keep their winning start to the Champions League this season, but the victory also reignited debate over Virgil van Dijk’s future at Anfield.
The Liverpool captain endured a poor display against the Spanish side at home on Tuesday. He was at fault for Villarreal’s opening goal as his poor header proved an assist for striker Georges Mikautadze. This was his fourth error leading to goals, the most among Liverpool players since 2025.
Liverpool’s back four were exposed in the first half, and surprisingly, Virgil van Dijk was the biggest culprit. The 35-year-old remains a key figure on Merseyside, having started in all league and European matches this season. However, the Reds have leaked 13 goals in 10 games their captain has played this season, including 10 goals in the last four outings.
Virgil van Dijk has made more errors leading to goals (4) than any other Liverpool player since the start of this year 😳 https://t.co/1RkYweIGps
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 20, 2026
Virgil van Dijk’s performance against Villarreal garnered strong criticism from the fans, questioning Liverpool hierarchy’s decision to extend the player’s contract for two years in the spring of 2025. He remains the top earner at Anfield with £350,000 per week plus bonuses, but his performances seem to be in decline over the last few months.
Arne Slot was in charge when van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were handed a mega contract at the age of 32. It seemed a right decision back then as the Reds won the 2024-25 league title, but now a section of fans are not in favour of another contract for the legendary defender. With Slot and FSG CEO Michael Edwards gone, and a new hierarchy in place, the Liverpool captain is unlikely to convince the new sporting director Julian Ward to agree to a contract extension.
The Dutch skipper will be 36 in July next year, and his growing struggles against aggressive and quick attackers are unlikely to come to an end. So even if he manages to turn around his form this season, the Liverpool hierarchy will be careful with their decision regarding a contract extension. Liverpool’s decision-makers will be wise to consider fans’ emotions and the finances if they consider extending van Dijk’s contract beyond 2027 summer.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is already linked with an Anfield departure on a free transfer at the end of this season. Super Lig giants Trabzonspor are reportedly looking to sign the former Southampton defender in summer and are keeping tabs on the player’s contract situation.
Exclusive 💣 Süper Lig giants Trabzonspor want to sign Virgil van Dijk this summer. Van Dijk’s first choice is to stay at Liverpool, but no agreement has been made yet. https://t.co/bFWDXp6ZVD
— indykaila News (@indykaila) October 21, 2026
Since arriving at Anfield for a world record fee for a defender in January 2018, Van Dijk has gone to win two league titles and the Champions League. Under Jurgen Klopp, he established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation, notably finishing as a runner-up in the 2019 Ballon d’Or awards.
However, van Dijk’s recent performance against Villarreal has stirred fans, with many demanding the club move on from their legendary defender. With Jeremy Jacquet quickly establishing himself as his natural successor at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, the management will be pushed to profmote Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo and the 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni next season.
