Virgil van Dijk tipped to play into 40s as Liverpool told $42m star would be ideal successor

Liverpool has been told could be playing well into his 40s, according to former Southampton colleague Jose Fonte.

The Reds defender is central to the team’s impressive start under new head coach Arne Slot and hasn’t missed a minute of action in the Premier League or Champions League this season, helping sit at the summit of both competitions.

As the 33-year-old enters the last year of his current deal, negotiations are underway to extend his stay at Anfield, with Van Dijk expressing his desire to remain. Fonte, now with an eye for spotting defensive talent, waiting in the wings at

Fonte remarked: "I'd back Virgil van Dijk to play into his 40s because although he still has pace, he would be able to adapt in his positioning and anticipate the game even better as years go on. If he stays healthy with no injuries he'll be able to play into his 40s, it'll just be about what he wants to do with his career because it can be very draining to play at the highest level.

"You have to put in so much work everyday. But physically he is a monster, one of the best specimens I've seen. As a centre-back he wins all his headers, wins all his duels fast, he's good on the ball, he's a complete player."

Fonte has identified Newcastle's Sven Botman as a potential long-term replacement for Van Dijk at Liverpool, having played alongside the Dutch defender at Lille. "I'd love to see Sven Botman replace Virgil at Liverpool and I think he has the ability to do it," Fonte said.

"We won the league together in France and like Van Dijk, he is a monster. He is tall, very good in duels, he plays as the left centre-back, he loves a tackle, he's aggressive and still young

"I just hope that he can continue his progress after his injury and stay healthy, if he does that then I'm sure he'll be considered by Liverpool."

Botman, who cost Newcastle $42m in 2022, had been earmarked as a potential partner for Van Dijk with the Dutch national side but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury back in March. He is yet to return to the fold for Newcastle.