The Reds captain has finally returned to Melwood for pre-season training following his extended summer break and has instantly got people talking with some of his latest words

Virgil van Dijk has returned to Liverpool first-team training and the defender’s first words back at Melwood speak volumes about his thinking amid his unresolved contract situation.

The Reds captain has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at Anfield and although there aren’t any real fears of him leaving for another club this summer, Liverpool fans are getting restless over his unresolved future.

Now that he is back on Merseyside, however, there is growing optimism that serious contract talks will be had with the club’s hierarchy and new manager Arne Slot, who is expected to be keen to retain the services of his fellow countryman past the expiry date of his current deal in less than 12 months time.

And Van Dijk’s latest words on his return to the club have suggested that all signs point towards him signing a fresh deal, having simply uttered “welcome home” as he greeted those behind the camera as he approached them inside one of the buildings at Melwood.

The Dutchman was the first to appear in a video uploaded to social media on Sunday, showcasing all the latest players who had returned for pre-season. Among the fresh faces in the building were Van Dijk’s Netherlands teammate Cody Gakpo, as well as England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez.

Copa America duo Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz were also in attendance, but it was Van Dijk’s entrance that garnered the most attention. Having greeted the club’s media team and smiled in front of the camera, it was his opening remark which underlined how at home he feels at Liverpool.

Virgil van Dijk could be heard saying ‘welcome home’ on his return to Melwood on Sunday

Now that he is back among some of his teammates and ready to kick on for the new campaign, Liverpool will hope it can sort out the long-term future of the 33-year-old.

The Dutchman had raised concerns over his future after admitting he does not know what his next move is at both international and club level following the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to England last month.

In a post-match interview, Van Dijk gave a cryptic update on his future plans, admitting he had “no idea” about what the future may hold for club and country. He told Dutch outlet VI : “I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international. Then we will go for it again, but first recover from this.”

Nothing has been confirmed regarding Van Dijk’s future yet, but more news can be expected in the coming days and weeks now that he has finally returned for pre-season training.