The reason why Virgil van Dijk rejected a formal offer to extend his stay at Liverpool has been revealed, with a report explaining why Reds fans shouldn’t worry at all.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are all out of contract next summer. Official contract offers have now been submitted to all three, with the reliable David Ornstein revealing that Van Dijk’s offer came in some time ago.

The Dutch colossus remains arguably the greatest central defender in the game today and losing him to free agency would be a major blow at the start of the Arne Slot era.

Ornstein noted that part of the reasoning behind Van Dijk’s rejection was the terms did not meet its requirements both financially and in terms of the duration of the contract.

And with January 1 – date from which Van Dijk can sign a pre-contractual agreement with foreign parties – rapid approach – Liverpool fans may be more than concerned about what the future holds.

But according to a new update from Football InsiderLiverpool fans have no reason to be afraid.

Their lead reporter, Pete O’Rourke, claimed that Van Dijk’s rejection of Liverpool’s first offer was simply “part of standard negotiations”.

In other words, one side (usually the club) comes in at the bottom, while the other side (usually the player) comes in at the top.

The initial offer presented by the club rarely results in an agreement and negotiations then continue, with each party gradually adjusting their position until they meet halfway.

Additionally, O’Rourke was adamant that Van Dijk was both “willing” and “ready” to sign a new deal.

As such, it is only a matter of time before new terms are settled and Van Dijk’s glittering stay at Anfield is extended.

LEARN MORE: The key details of each Liverpool first-team player’s contract: expiry dates, weekly salary, agents…

Van Dijk recognized for his spectacular form

Van Dijk may be 33 years old, but continues to perform at an extremely high level every week.

And on Monday, the Reds ace was recognized for his commanding performances with his inclusion in the FIFPro World XI for 2024.

This was Van Dijk’s fourth cap, with the Dutchman having secured a place in 2019, 2020 and 2022.

Van Dijk holds the record for the most appearances in the FIFPro World XI by a Dutch player with four. He also moved away from Steven Gerrard (three) for the most appearances by a Liverpool player.

The full 2024 FIFPro World

Latest Liverpool News – Slot Index / Alexander-Arnold Contract Concerns

Elsewhere, Arne Slot has hinted that this is a Girona player he would potentially like to sign ahead of Tuesday night’s 1-0 win in Spain.

slot said: “Last season, I watched quite a bit because I found it interesting what he (Girona coach Michel) did with especially the left back (Miguel Gutierrez), and he still does that this season too, playing in an inverted manner, having such a free role from this position.

TEAMtalk can confirm that Liverpool are aiming to sign a left-back in 2025, although they do not understand that Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is currently their No.1 target. Indeed, a Double £91m deal being drawn up for January.

Elsewhere, senior Sky Sports News Journalist Melissa Reddy has explained why Alexander-Arnold is the least likely of Liverpool’s contract rebels to draw up new terms.

“It’s obvious that Salah and Van Dijk really want to stay,” Reddy said. “They made it clear, they verbalized it, and perhaps on their side there was a bit of frustration that it took so long to reach an agreement, but one expects that both players remain at the club.

“The situation with Alexandre-Arnold is slightly different because Real Madrid are very interested in him, and some of his recent comments about winning the Ballon d’Or are singing the Real Madrid anthem a lot.

“He is perhaps the one who would need the most elbow grease at Liverpool to get over the finish line, and also the one who has the greatest alternative option.

“All three could approach foreign clubs from January 1. The feeling, the feeling I have from Salah and Virgil, is that they don’t intend to do that.

Van Dijk essential to Liverpool success