Van Dijk expects Liverpool to challenge for more titles in upcoming years

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expects the club to challenge for more titles in the upcoming years. The Reds have all but confirmed themselves as the Premier League champions as they are 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with six games to spare. Liverpool needs a maximum of six points to seal the title this season.

Van Dijk scored a late winner for Liverpool against West Ham United on Sunday to help his team secure a 2-1 win. The Dutchman backed the Liverpool board to make the right decision as far as the future transfers are concerned.

“I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years,” he said after the game.

“Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer. I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board, as a Liverpool connected fan, to do the right job.”

Van Dijk’s current contract will end at the conclusion of the ongoing season however the lanky defender is expected to sign a two-year extension as per reports in ESPN.

“Let’s see how this week goes,” Van Dijk said when asked for an update on his future. “I think first, all the focus should be going to the Hillsborough anniversary. I mentioned it already in interviews, I think that’s the main thing and then we’ll see. The focus will still be on Leicester [who Liverpool are playing next week], but maybe there’s some news. I don’t know. I know, but I don’t know.”

Reflecting on what Liverpool means to him, Van Dijk added: “I joined the club in 2017 for many reasons. Reasons like how much it means to all the Scousers, to all the fans around the whole world to be connected to Liverpool. Being successful with Liverpool; the culture of the club, everything that embodies Liverpool that is just part of me.

“That’s why I’m always proud when I wear that shirt, go out there and try to be the best version of myself in terms of the football player that I am. We are two wins, six points away from glory.

“I know what it means to the club and I know what it will bring us if it happens. Most of the players don’t so when it happens, it will be beautiful but we still have a job to do.”

Liverpool will next take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.