Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch centre-back and linchpin of Liverpool’s backline, has signed a contract extension —appropriately enough, on Merseyside. He is now tied to the club through 2027. Today’s announcement marks the conclusion to a multi-month negotiation process. Van Dijk has put any speculation to bed, committing his future to the club he’s long deemed his ideal landing spot since arriving in 2017.
Liverpool purchased Van Dijk for a world record fee for any defender at the time, £75 million (around $99 million). In the meantime, he has solidified his spot as an important player on the team. His leadership has guided the team towards unprecedented achievements, most notably their first-ever Premier League title. His defensive talents paired with immense leadership have made him a linchpin defender for Liverpool FC. He’s a big part of how the team have thrived competing across several fronts this year.
At age 33, Van Dijk clearly isn’t a washed-up has-been, not with his continued dominance patrolling the pitch. In fact, he just signed a short-term contract extension with Liverpool. This decision comes after his teammate Mohamed Salah signed a contract extension with the club until at least 2027. Continuity on the manager side gives their manager Arne Slot a big advantage as he looks to build from this season into the next.
Van Dijk expressed his enthusiasm about remaining with the club, stating, “It’s a proud feeling, it’s 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.” His sentiment captures both his joy at winning the top job and his bond with Liverpool and its peoples. His sentiment runs deeper still.
His love for the city shone through even more, when asked about being called an adopted Scouser. He went on to proudly proclaim that this is truly home for him and his wife and children. There was no questioning in his mind at all. I’m one of Liverpool. And just the other day, someone told me that I am an adopted Scouser. To hear that was one of the most proud things and best feelings I ever had!
Van Dijk’s contract extension allows Liverpool to shift their focus towards potential reinforcements in the transfer market during the close season. To put it mildly, he is the essence of Liverpool FC. Both the player and the club have a lot to look forward to as they continue on their path together.
