In a stunning revelation, Virgil van Dijk has spoken out about the ongoing captaincy situation at Liverpool amid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold, whose future with the Reds remains uncertain, has reportedly set two conditions for remaining at Anfield beyond the summer: a long-term contract and a guarantee that he will be made Liverpool’s captain in the future.

With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold is free to negotiate with other clubs, and Real Madrid has shown interest in securing his services. Despite rejecting a £20 million bid from Los Blancos on New Year’s Eve, Alexander-Arnold appears to be giving Liverpool an opportunity to retain him, but only if the club meets his demands.

According to reports from talkSPORT, the 25-year-old right-back has made it clear that Liverpool must offer him a contract extension of at least three years. Additionally, he has insisted that the club commit to making him the captain in the long run—a request that could impact the future of current captain Virgil van Dijk, whose own contract is set to expire in the summer.

Van Dijk, 33, has addressed the matter for the first time, acknowledging Alexander-Arnold’s demands. “It’s a decision for the club and Trent, but if they don’t meet those requests, I wouldn’t blame him for seeking a new challenge,” the Dutch defender stated. “I’ve always believed that Trent is the future of this team. If he stays, it’s only fair that he gets the role he deserves.”

The situation is made more complex by van Dijk’s own contract negotiations, with both players facing uncertain futures. However, despite Alexander-Arnold’s wishes, many believe that van Dijk’s tenure as captain could extend beyond this summer, even if the England international becomes the club’s future leader.

Real Madrid, eager to strengthen their squad, is reportedly prepared to offer Alexander-Arnold a lucrative deal that could double his wages to around £400,000 per week. However, the right-back has been adamant about keeping his talks private, focusing instead on his current mission with Liverpool: winning trophies.

“I’ve been at this club for 20 years, and every contract I’ve signed has been kept out of the public eye, and this one will be no different,” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports in December. “We’re aiming to win multiple trophies. That’s the level we’re at, and that’s what we’re capable of.”

With both Alexander-Arnold and van Dijk’s futures in limbo, Liverpool fans will be eagerly awaiting how the club handles these pivotal contract talks in the coming months.