Richard Hughes has the potential to become a key player in the ongoing discussions surrounding the potential contract extension of Virgil van Dijk.

In his role as the technical director of Bournemouth, Hughes is expected to depart from his current position with the Cherries in the upcoming summer, with plans to join Michael Edwards, a longtime colleague, at Anfield beyond this season.

Reports from James Pearce and Simon Hughes of The Athletic suggest that Hughes is well-positioned to influence Van Dijk’s future, given his regular interactions with Fewings.

Despite Van Dijk entering the later stages of his career, there is widespread acknowledgment within the AXA training center and beyond about the crucial importance of securing his commitment to the club for the long term.

The idea of extending Van Dijk’s contract is a subject of significant interest for Liverpool, especially given his outstanding performances this season, which have once again highlighted his status as one of the top center-backs in the world.

Although comparisons might be drawn, particularly with Arsenal’s William Saliba, Van Dijk’s form while wearing the Liverpool shirt has been consistently exceptional. There are no signs of his abilities diminishing in the near future, making a contract extension a logical move for the club to pursue. Given his ongoing excellence on the field, it seems only fitting for Van Dijk to remain at Liverpool and continue making significant contributions at the highest level.

With the support of individuals like Hughes, Liverpool is aiming to navigate the contract negotiations smoothly and secure the services of their defensive stalwart for the foreseeable future.