Just like Mohamed Salah, Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool.
On the very day the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future was resolved, it became increasingly clear that Liverpool were also working to secure their captain Van Dijk’s stay. Now, that has become official. The club has signed a new two-year deal with the Dutch defender.
Van Dijk’s previous contract was set to expire at the end of the current season. Liverpool confirmed on Thursday that the new deal will extend his stay through the 2026–27 season.
Like Salah, Van Dijk was also reportedly disappointed earlier, as much of the final year of his previous contract had passed without any fresh offer from the club. But after the Egyptian star accepted a new two-year extension last week, Van Dijk has followed suit—and the 33-year-old says he’s delighted.
“I feel proud, I feel really good. The feeling is unbelievable.”
“Given everything I’ve been through in my career, to be able to sign a new two-year deal at this stage with this club is a wonderful thing. I’m very happy.”
There were rumors at one point that the former Celtic and Southampton defender might join PSG. However, Van Dijk made it clear his heart was always with Liverpool.
“(In my thoughts) it was always Liverpool. That’s the main thing. It was always in my mind. That was the plan, and the team was Liverpool.”
“I never had any doubts that this was the right place for me and my family. I’m a Liverpool man. The other day someone even called me a Liverpool local—that made me feel really proud. It gave me a lot of joy.”
Since joining from Southampton in January 2018 for a £75 million transfer fee, Van Dijk has been one of Liverpool’s most crucial players. He’s played a key role in their Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, and two League Cup triumphs.
Meanwhile, fresh speculation continues to swirl around Trent Alexander-Arnold. His contract is set to expire in June next year, and so far, there’s been no strong sign of an extension.
In fact, some media reports suggest that Real Madrid are interested in signing the 26-year-old English defender on a free transfer.
Liverpool, however, continue their excellent form this season and are now within touching distance of their 20th English top-flight title.
