VIRGIL VAN DIJK SIGNS TWO-YEAR EXTENSION WITH LIVERPOOL, BECOMES EUROPE’S BEST-PAID DEFENDER
Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year deal with Liverpool, extending his stay at Anfield until 2027 and reportedly becoming the highest-paid defender in European football.
The Dutchman’s previous contract was set to expire this summer, but after weeks of positive talks, the 33-year-old captain has put pen to paper—just a week after Mohamed Salah also signed a new two-year extension.
“It Was Always Liverpool”
Van Dijk, who joined from Southampton in 2018, expressed pride and joy over his continued commitment:
“I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions going through my head right now. It’s a proud feeling, a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible.
“The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.”
He added:
“It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, always the plan. There wasn’t any doubt this is the place for me and my family.
I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me an adopted Scouser the other day — I’m really proud to hear that.”
Record-Breaking Contract
According to The Athletic, Van Dijk’s new contract is worth an eye-watering £400,000 per week, surpassing David Alaba of Real Madrid (£360,000/week). Only Kalidou Koulibaly, now at Al-Hilal, earns more globally among defenders, reportedly over £550,000/week.
Van Dijk’s deal includes a large guaranteed base salary with additional team-based incentives, showing Liverpool’s commitment to their defensive anchor.
A Towering Legacy
Since arriving at Anfield, Van Dijk has:
Made 314 appearances
Scored 27 goals
Assisted 13 times
Captained the club 100+ times
His most recent goal was a last-minute winner against West Ham, putting Arne Slot’s side 13 points ahead of Arsenal with six games remaining — putting Liverpool on the brink of a 20th English league title, tying them with Manchester United.
Trophies With Liverpool
🏆 Premier League (2019/20)
🏆 Champions League
🏆 FA Cup
🏆 FIFA Club World Cup
🏆 UEFA Super Cup
🏆 Community Shield
🏆 2x Carabao Cups
What’s Next?
With Salah and Van Dijk now secured, the last of Liverpool’s “fab three” out of contract is Trent Alexander-Arnold. Reports suggest he may be on his way to Real Madrid when his deal expires this summer, although no confirmation has been made.
Still, the extension of Van Dijk’s contract signals Liverpool’s firm intention to stay competitive in the post-Klopp era — and give new boss Arne Slot a solid foundation to build upon.
🟥 “The skipper stays” — and with him, Liverpool’s title hopes shine even brighter.