Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk shows no signs of anxiety about his expiring contract, maintaining a composed attitude about his future at Anfield.

The 35-year-old Netherlands international is set to become a free agent at the end of June 2027. He last extended his stay on Merseyside in April 2025, signing a two-year deal that resolved previous uncertainty, but he has yet to agree to fresh terms this season.

Speaking after Liverpool’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, the defender offered a calm assessment of his situation.

Van Dijk insisted his focus remains on his immediate on-pitch contributions rather than boardroom negotiations.

“I feel good but it’s not about me at the moment. Let’s see. I’m not in any panic,” Van Dijk stated.

The veteran centre-back expressed complete contentment with his time at the club, regardless of the outcome.

“I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing. Let’s see what the season brings,” he added. “I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that’s the case.”

Should the club hierarchy decide against offering a renewal, Van Dijk is prepared to walk away. “If not, then I will go somewhere else. There’s nothing to report at the moment but that doesn’t mean that there’s any stress or anything,” he concluded.
The relaxed stance reflects the security of a player who has already secured his status as a club legend.

Van Dijk stands as one of the last remaining pillars of the dominant Jürgen Klopp era, having joined Liverpool in January 2018.

He anchored the defence that captured the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League and the drought-ending 2019/20 Premier League title.

His medal collection also includes the 2021/22 FA Cup and two EFL Cups won in 2021/22 and 2023/24 under the former German manager. He also won the 2024/25 post-Klopp era Premier League title.

Despite his age, Van Dijk remains indispensable under current head coach Andoni Iraola, playing every available minute in the Premier League this season.

He reinforced that importance during the weekend win over Crystal Palace, helping secure three points through goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak.

Liverpool must now decide whether to commit further funds to their ageing captain or begin transitioning away from their iconic defensive anchor.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rescheduled the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony to December 2 in Lagos.

CAF announced the new date in a statement on Tuesday, with the event brought forward five days.

Although the football body gave no reason for the change, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Art Theatre, in Lagos, remains the venue for the ceremony.

The event will mark the return of the CAF Awards to Lagos for the first time since the 2014 edition, bringing together leading players, coaches, clubs and other personalities in African football to celebrate their achievements.

A total of 18 categories will be recognised at the ceremony, with the CAF Men’s Player of the Year and CAF Women’s Player of the Year awards among the major honours.

Other categories will recognise outstanding coaches, goalkeepers, emerging talents, clubs and national teams for their performances during the year.

Meanwhile, voting for the 2026 awards is ongoing and will run from November 5 to 20 across the men’s and women’s categories.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering standing against Gianni Infantino as a candidate in Fifa’s presidential election.

For weeks, senior figures in European football have been hoping the Frenchman would run for the job, and he is now giving it serious thought.

Wenger is 77, leading to questions over whether he could provide long-term leadership for the sport.

But according to report, some of his supporters have said that they would be happy for him to win the election, then stand down before serving a full four-year term.

Infantino’s position was plunged into crisis by a backlash caused by his failed plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

But he retains support in South America, Africa and Asia, and recently insisted he has the backing of the “vast, vast majority” of world football.

However, that support could be tested if Wenger stands.

Fifa’s head of global development would have the backing of Uefa, which has spearheaded opposition to Infantino, and he has credibility throughout the footballing world.

Sources close to Wenger say he is yet to decide whether to stand, and they still believe Infantino is favourite to win a fourth and final term in next year’s election.

The deadline for candidates to confirm they are standing against Infantino for the election in March is 18 November.

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega was the first person to put his name forward in October.

Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima has also announced his intention to stand.