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Virgil van Dijk has followed in Mohamed Salah’s footsteps by extending his stay at Liverpool, signing a new two-year contract that keeps him at the club until 2027.
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The Liverpool captain had hinted at progress in contract talks following the team’s 3-2 loss to Fulham on April 6, and further suggested a deal was imminent after scoring the decisive goal against West Ham on Sunday. “Everyone knows how much I love this club,” he said. “Let’s see what next week brings.”
Liverpool officially announced the new deal on Thursday, ensuring Van Dijk’s successful stint at Anfield will continue. His new contract reportedly maintains his £220,000-a-week base salary, with performance bonuses potentially boosting it to around £400,000 a week.
“I’m extremely happy and proud,” Van Dijk said. “There’s a lot going through my mind right now. This is a proud and joyful moment. To extend my journey at this incredible club by another two years means a lot to me.”
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has been in talks with Van Dijk’s agent, Neil Fewings, for several months. Despite ongoing speculation about Van Dijk’s future, both sides were always aligned in their desire to renew his contract.
“I never had any doubts—this is the right place for me and my family,” Van Dijk said. “I was even called an ‘adopted Scouser’ the other day. Hearing that made me really proud.”
Turning 34 in July, Van Dijk has enjoyed a stellar season under fellow Dutchman Arne Slot and remains one of the top defenders in world football. He’s played every Premier League game this season and is poised to captain Liverpool to their 20th league title. The team needs just six points from their remaining six matches to secure the championship, which could be clinched as early as Sunday if Arsenal lose to Ipswich and Liverpool beat Leicester.
This latest success will add to Van Dijk’s impressive list of honours with Liverpool, which already includes the 2020 Premier League title, the Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The announcement comes just six days after Salah also extended his contract to 2027. Meanwhile, fellow star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in June, is expected to join Real Madrid. The retention of Salah and Van Dijk is seen as a clear sign of Liverpool’s intent heading into what Van Dijk recently described as “a big summer” for the club.
