05 Oct 2026 18:47:48
Just for something a bit different.
With vvd contract ending this season. What's everyone's thoughts? For me he is still one of best cb's in prem. But if he will only sign if he gets a pay rise then sadly It's time to go. If he wants 2 year deal then it has to be reduced wages and bigger bonuses for appearances.
05 Oct 2026 18:54:38
I'd be fairly confident that even Virg knows he's not getting a pay rise unless he goes to Saudi/USA. He's nearly 35, and probably our highest earner.
On current form, it's worth extending season by season, but I'm not sure he'll stay. Another one who has paid back his transfer fee and then some, when he eventually goes it'll be with everyone's admiration and best wishes.
05 Oct 2026 19:06:00
I personally don't care if his salary stays the same. Happy to let the club make the call on that.
05 Oct 2026 19:14:04
I agree with most of that. But if reports of real looking at him on a free transfer are true, and his form this season is good. I would be shocked if they didn't offer him more than he's getting now.
05 Oct 2026 19:40:33
One last big contract, or adding more to the legacy. He's already our GOAT CB and in the best Prem/UK league team of all time.
The new ownership will want to keep him, and perhaps be willing to push the boat out more than FSG.
05 Oct 2026 20:33:47
Form has been fantastic but I really want to see the armband move on. Great servant to the club and nothing but gratitude, if he wants to stay on reasonable terms then great. If he wants to leave then thank you for what you did for the club.
05 Oct 2026 21:23:25
With Van Dijk, and Alisson to a certain extent, I think we need to see how they perform until January. Both have had drops in performance / availability that need to be considered.
With Van Dijk, a lot of that could have stemed from Slot's demands of the defenders, which seemed to be to drop and not engage the opposition players. A mad tactical decision, but not something Slot ever seemed upset by in interviews or press conferences, it appeared very much by design.
Van Dijk has a strong and consistent partner in Jacquet now, and there is still hope in Leoni. Van Dijk would be an excellent role model to both. And, if he can maintain his performances so far this season, it is a no brainer, for me. However, last season, his drop off of performance (And, especially leadership) was a major, major concern, and certainly not all down to Slot.
Alisson, for me, I am undecided. Incredible on his day, but I have never seen a Goalkeeper pick up so many injuries for such innocuous things. He is fit half the season, and many, myself included, are counting down the days till he gets injured again. Because, it is not a question of if, anymore, but a question of when. The lay offs are significant also, something is not right with him at this stage in his career.
05 Oct 2026 21:47:54
Give him another year ?.
05 Oct 2026 22:15:46
As it stands I'd have no hesitation in offering him extension. Outstanding player, the best cb I've ever seen.
05 Oct 2026 22:16:07
I really hope he stays. He looks back to normal this season and that's been a big reason why the whole defensive unit has looked solid so far.
He is not as fast as he once was, sure, but he isn't slow as far as centre backs go. He is also one of only 3 players from the original mentality monsters. As long as he can play at this level twice per week we should be doing everything in our power to keep him and his experience in the building.
What's more we have a signed two young CBs in Jacquet and Leoni who will only benefit from having him present for the next couple of years imo. Jacquet already looks like Van Dijks heir, Leoni will likely need more time before we can be sure, but he looked good in Italy and the tiny taste we did get was promising. Provided they both stay fit and hungry, they've got the ultimate role model to learn from and it could ease the post-Virg transition.
05 Oct 2026 22:40:39
Give the best and most available CB in the world another contract. Simple.
06 Oct 2026 00:20:14
remember when he had never been dribbled past?
Ledge.
06 Oct 2026 07:41:24
Why insult the man by offering reduced wages? Offer him what he gets now the man has just played every minute of every Premier League games last season. Still hugely important. We wouldn't be offering a 27 year old reduced wages so why offer a regular starter(albeit 35 years old)reduced wages?
06 Oct 2026 07:58:44
The most important thing for me is for the club to start do some more strategic planning for these aging stars.
The club did a terrible job of planning replacements for Mo Salah.
I'm supportive of giving one year extensions to both players if it allows the club to identify and secure (or develop internally) their long-term replacements.
However, it felt like with Salah we gave the extension just to kick the can down the road.
06 Oct 2026 09:47:32
If he is the best left CB at the club come the end of the season, then why wouldn't you extend?
06 Oct 2026 14:00:11
I'd hold on to players like VVD, Allison and Araujo for as long as possible. Leadership skills are crucial in a team that wants to win. And the environment created by these types off the field is often as important as what goes on, on the field.
Not easy to find leaders, even though diminishing skills on the field often convince you to want them to move on.
06 Oct 2026 16:19:21
Exactly FPF!
06 Oct 2026 16:53:26
Navy Keith, Salah had the season of his career bagging 57 goal contributions when we extended his contract. Exactly what part of re-signing a player hitting those kind of insane numbers felt like "kicking the can down the road"? Rhetorical question by the way.