Virgil van Dijk officially signs two-year extension with Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract to extend his stay at Anfield beyond the 2024-25 season, the club confirmed on Thursday. The 33-year-old defender reportedly turned down offers from other clubs and will continue earning a salary believed to be around £400,000 per week.

Van Dijk, who arrived from Southampton in January 2018, has committed his future to Liverpool in a deal that includes no release clause or pay reduction. He described the extension as a proud moment in his career and reaffirmed his dedication to the club.

“I’m very happy, very proud,” he told Liverpoolfc.com. “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: “There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things.”

Van Dijk has made 314 appearances for the Reds and scored 27 goals. Since joining, he has helped Liverpool win the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and two League Cups.

Individually, the Netherlands international was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2019 and has been included in the Premier League Team of the Year four times. He finished second in the 2019 Ballon d’Or vote behind Lionel Messi.

Van Dijk became club captain in 2023 following Jordan Henderson’s departure. His new deal follows Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal last week, signalling continuity in leadership under new head coach Arne Slot.

According to David Ornstein, Van Dijk had received approaches from other clubs in Europe but chose to remain at Liverpool, where he is now thought to be the highest-paid defender on the continent.