Top News

Virgil van Dijk is getting ready for another key face-to-face meeting with newly appointed Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez as he looks to decide his international future. The 35-year-old Liverpool captain, who is also dealing with the final year of his club contract, is still determined to lead his country towards Euro 2028.

Second round of crucial talks lined up for the Oranje skipper

After a disappointing World Cup campaign that ended in the round of 32, the Dutch FA has carried out a major managerial change. Ronald Koeman has left his role, with former Barcelona head coach Xavi taking charge of the national side.

That change at the top has created uncertainty around Van Dijk’s continued role for his country. In order to get clarity, the 96-cap defender has opened talks with Xavi over his place in the set-up.

The Athletic reports that a formal meeting is due to take place in the coming weeks. The two had already made initial contact in midweek when Liverpool took on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Defiant defender targeting Euro 2028

Despite being 35, the Liverpool mainstay remains convinced that he can still perform at the top level of international football. He has clear ambitions of helping the Netherlands reach the next European Championship.

"I feel that I can still be valuable and important to the team," Van Dijk said while speaking about his international future.

The centre-back is fully aware that the new manager may want to move the squad in a different direction. Even so, he is hopeful that his own outlook matches Xavi’s short-term plans.

"If we see eye to eye on that, we have two good years ahead of us leading up to Euro 2028," he added. "And if not, then we’ll see."

Uncertainty also stretching to Anfield

Van Dijk’s search for clarity is not restricted to the international stage. The experienced defender has moved into the final 12 months of his current Liverpool contract, leaving an ongoing sense of uncertainty over his club future as well.

Reports indicate that Anfield officials are not rushing to complete an extension. It is understood that formal discussions over a new deal will be delayed until next year, meaning the captain must keep his attention firmly on matters on the pitch.

This double layer of uncertainty has arrived during a difficult transition period for the Reds under manager Andoni Iraola. The Premier League club have made an unsteady start to the season, drawing three of their opening four matches after a frustrating stalemate with Fulham at the weekend.

Fixture congestion becoming a major factor

Before leaving for international duty, Van Dijk has to help guide Iraola’s struggling Liverpool side through a domestic double-header. The Reds welcome Tottenham for a Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday, before a vital league match on Sunday against Bournemouth, Iraola’s former club.

Once club football pauses, the Netherlands will head into a demanding four-match international window. Xavi’s spell in charge begins with a high-profile Nations League opener against Germany, before the Dutch take on Serbia twice and then finish with a final fixture against Greece.