Hamann says keeping Van Dijk is crucial for Liverpool

Although the Reds still hope to renew Van Dijk's contract, the Dutch defensive core recently hinted in an interview that he is uncertain about his future, which has also led to increasing speculation about whether he will continue to stay at Anfield.

Van Dijk has been a key figure in Liverpool's success for many years and a pillar of the team's defense. His leadership and stability have been praised, and former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann bluntly stated that renewing Van Dijk's contract should be the club's top priority.

Hamann said in an interview: "Keeping Van Dijk is crucial for Liverpool. He is the core of this team. He can stabilize the defense and improve the performance of other players. He is the rock of the defense and has been like this for so many years. I think he is the most important player."

"The situation is a bit strange now. We don't know whether he has received a contract offer or he is waiting for better conditions... In short, the situation is unclear," said Harman.

"If these key players have not received new contracts, then it is indeed questionable. But if the club has already offered a contract and the player is still negotiating, then we cannot be too harsh."

"There are only about ten games left in the season. If we don't make it clear as soon as possible whether the players will stay or go, by the time we really need to find a replacement, it may be too late, and the players' value will rise."

With Van Dijk's future still uncertain, Hamann boldly suggested that Liverpool could consider signing young central defender Branthwaite from their city rivals Everton as a replacement.

Hamann said: "It has been a long time since anyone has transferred from Everton to Liverpool. There have been similar rumors about Anthony Gordon before, and Nick Barmby has done it before, but now the gap between the two teams is too big. If Branthwaite wants to join Liverpool, Everton fans may understand it."

"Of course I hope that this gap can be narrowed in the future, for example, Everton will return to Europe after the new stadium is built. But as far as Branthwaite is concerned, if Liverpool are really interested, they will definitely find a way."