Liverpool news as Virgil van Dijk issues contract plea amid new injury crisis

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has urged the club to secure Ibrahima Konate's future as Wataru Endo faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a severe ankle injury

Virgil van Dijk has opened up on Ibrahima Konate's contract situation(Image: Men In Blazers)

Following the team's midweek return to form in the Premier League, Liverpool now shifts focus to Saturday's FA Cup encounter with Brighton at Anfield.

Arne Slot will undoubtedly be eager to leave his mark on this year's competition after last season's fourth-round humiliation at the hands of Plymouth. It's been a challenging campaign for the Reds, who have faltered in their bid to defend the Premier League title.

The FA Cup, along with the Champions League, now represents Liverpool's strongest chance of securing silverware this season. Yet Liverpool is grappling with mounting injury concerns. Liverpool.com examines the latest news from Anfield...

Van Dijk contract demand

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his desire for the club to secure Ibrahima Konate on fresh terms.

The French defender's contract expires this summer, with negotiations seemingly stalled, meaning he could depart on a free transfer, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the situation.

The Dutch skipper spoke about the "world-class" center-back and emphasized his wish to continue partnering Konate at the heart of Liverpool's defence for years to come, though he acknowledged the matter rests with the club.

Van Dijk has spoken out about Ibrahima Konate(Image: Getty Images)

"We are friends," Van Dijk said of Konate. "We speak about everything. It's a process, and let's see what comes out of it. It's never that easy. We saw with my situation last year, so it's never that easy that we can just say, 'Let's get it done.'

"Obviously, I want him to stay. He's an important figure on the pitch. That's what everyone sees, but off the pitch as well, he's one of the leaders. He's outstanding and in my eyes, a world-class centre back.

"I can do only so much, but it's in the club's hands, together with his agents and himself, so let's see what comes out of it, but I have no influence otherwise on that. It was not my decision to leave (my contract) that late, but it is what it is. There is always hope."

Injured star facing uncertain future

Wataru Endo's unfortunate injury sustained against Sunderland could potentially mark the conclusion of his Liverpool career. The 33-year-old suffered a serious setback after an awkward landing on his ankle.

The Japan captain arrived at Liverpool in 2023 from Stuttgart. However, with the combative midfielder's contract running until 2027, it's understood the Reds would consider bids for the player.

The holding midfielder reportedly came close to securing a switch to Marseille in 2024. Several clubs across Germany and England are also thought to be monitoring his situation.

Liverpool manager Slot acknowledged that Endo will be sidelined for a considerable stretch, suggesting the injury may have prematurely ended his campaign.

"I assume he will be out for a long, long time. What is long, it is difficult to say at this moment but you can hardly believe what this right full-back position brings us this season," Slot remarked following the Sunderland fixture.