Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool squad is unhappy about Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving in March 2025

Liverpool's captain, Virgil van Dijk, says the team is 'gutted' that Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave. This is a big change for the team.
By Newsroom | Football, Liverpool |

Recent reports and statements from Virgil van Dijk paint a complex picture of his current standing at Liverpool Football Club. While the player has publicly reaffirmed his commitment, team-related issues and player movements have led to notable expressions of disappointment within the squad, as conveyed by van Dijk himself.

Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk left 'gutted' as favourite to inherit captaincy named - 1

Squad Discontent and Player Departures

Liverpool's captain, Virgil van Dijk, has recently articulated significant concerns regarding the team's performance and the mood within the squad. Van Dijk has described the team's situation as a "mess" and admitted to letting teammates down in certain matches. He has also voiced questions about whether all players are fully shouldering responsibility during the club's slump.

Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk left 'gutted' as favourite to inherit captaincy named - 2

  • The team is currently pursuing Champions League qualification, which van Dijk has stated is vital.

  • He has acknowledged personal struggles, including feeling he has not performed at his best, partly due to tragedy over the summer, referencing the death of Diogo Jota which has impacted teammates.

  • Van Dijk's candid assessments suggest internal challenges extend beyond new player acquisitions.

Sentiment Regarding Teammate Departures

Specific player movements have elicited strong emotional responses from the Liverpool squad, as reported by van Dijk.

Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk left 'gutted' as favourite to inherit captaincy named - 3

Trent Alexander-Arnold's Imminent Exit

The impending departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold has visibly affected the team.

Read More: Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Key Players Injured and Out for Match on March 2, 2024

Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk left 'gutted' as favourite to inherit captaincy named - 4

  • Van Dijk stated the Liverpool squad was "gutted" by the decision regarding Alexander-Arnold, who is set to leave upon his contract's expiration.

  • He addressed the situation after a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, highlighting the squad's disappointment and their support for Alexander-Arnold as he faces a likely move abroad, with Real Madrid cited as a potential destination.

Club Commitment and Contractual Uncertainty

Despite squad changes and performance reviews, van Dijk has made declarations about his own loyalty to Liverpool.

  • In early 2024, van Dijk asserted that comments about his future were "taken out of context" and that he was "100 per cent committed" to the club. He expressed love for the club and its fans.

  • However, reports have also surfaced suggesting van Dijk's agency offered him to Real Madrid as a free agent, though a subsequent renewal with Liverpool was mentioned.

  • More recent reports from March 2025 indicated van Dijk had decided to end his time at Liverpool at the end of the current season, with negotiations with a "European giant" supposedly underway, positioning him for a move without a transfer fee.

Van Dijk's Enduring Influence on the Field

Irrespective of external factors and contractual discussions, van Dijk's performance statistics continue to underscore his importance to the team.

  • He has been highlighted as one of Liverpool's "outstanding performers" this season, with a new two-year contract signed in April 2025.

  • Van Dijk leads the league in several key defensive metrics, including clearances and aerial duels, demonstrating continued high-level performance.

  • His defensive record early in his Liverpool career was exceptional, with a 64-match streak without being dribbled past by an opponent.

Expert Analysis

"Virgil van Dijk’s public comments reflect a player grappling with both personal and team performance pressures. His acknowledgment of the squad's collective difficulties and his 'gutted' reaction to Alexander-Arnold's departure suggest a deep emotional investment in the team's well-being. Simultaneously, the conflicting reports regarding his own contract and potential moves create an aura of uncertainty surrounding his long-term future, even as his on-field contributions remain consistently strong." - Anonymous Football Analyst

Conclusion

The available evidence presents Virgil van Dijk as a captain experiencing a period of significant challenge and emotional resonance at Liverpool. He has openly discussed team struggles and expressed deep disappointment over Trent Alexander-Arnold's impending exit. While he has publicly stated his commitment to the club, especially following Jurgen Klopp's departure announcement, conflicting reports have circulated regarding his own contractual future and potential moves to other major European clubs. Despite these complexities, van Dijk continues to be a statistically dominant force on the field, leading the league in several defensive categories. The impact of player departures and the captain's own future remain pivotal elements shaping Liverpool's immediate and longer-term outlook.

Read More: Trent Alexander-Arnold moves to Real Madrid and Liverpool loses key games

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Virgil van Dijk saying the Liverpool squad is unhappy?
Virgil van Dijk said the team is 'gutted' because Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool. He spoke about this after a game in March 2025.
Q: What did Virgil van Dijk say about the team's performance in November 2025?
Van Dijk called the team's situation a 'mess' and said he felt he let his teammates down. He also wondered if all players were taking enough responsibility.
Q: Is Virgil van Dijk leaving Liverpool?
There were reports in March 2025 that Van Dijk decided to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. However, he also said in early 2024 that he was 100% committed to the club.
Q: How is Virgil van Dijk playing for Liverpool now?
Van Dijk is still playing well. He signed a new two-year contract in April 2025 and leads the league in defensive actions like clearing the ball and winning headers.
Q: What other issues has Van Dijk mentioned?
Van Dijk mentioned that a personal tragedy over the summer, referring to the death of Diogo Jota, has also affected his performance and teammates.