Former Premier League Golden Boot winner Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Virgil van Dijk should remain at Liverpool for at least one more season despite speculation linking the Dutch defender with a move away from Anfield.
Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk has been the subject of transfer rumours in recent months, with clubs from around Europe and beyond reportedly interested in the club captain.
The 34-year-old is also preparing to lead the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that could see him reach a major international milestone.
If the Dutch side reach the World Cup final, Van Dijk would make his 100th appearance for his country, adding another remarkable achievement to an already distinguished career.
The Liverpool defender currently has 92 caps and is the most-capped (74) captain in Netherlands history.
Future remains uncertain beyond the World Cup
While Van Dijk‘s immediate focus is on leading the Netherlands at the World Cup, questions continue to surround his future at club level.
With transfer rumours persisting and several clubs reportedly monitoring his situation, debate remains over how much longer the Liverpool captain will stay at Anfield.
However, former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink believes now is not the right time for Van Dijk to leave the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to 10bet, the Dutch football icon said: “I think it’s too early for Virgil to be thinking about the MLS.
“I think he’s got one more year in the Premier League. He didn’t have the best season, and I think that’s why he’s really going to want to stay one more year and really produce in his final season, and then maybe say, ‘Okay, I’m going to go.'”
Since arriving from Southampton in 2018, Van Dijk has established himself as one of the greatest defenders of his generation.
He played a key role in Liverpool’s domestic and European success and remains a crucial figure for both club and country.
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World Cup focus comes before future decisions
While links with clubs such as Galatasaray and potential interest from Major League Soccer continue to circulate, Hasselbaink would like to see his fellow Dutchman end his Liverpool career on his own terms.
“Yes, he’s been flirting with Galatasaray and other teams, but I would like to see him for one more year in the Premier League to finish it off properly. Give the Liverpool supporters a proper goodbye.”
For now, though, the Netherlands captain is focused on helping his nation challenge for a first-ever World Cup title.
With the World Cup kicking off on Thursday, June 12, and Van Dijk still central to Liverpool’s plans, any decision on his long-term future is likely to wait.
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