Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract extension, ensuring his stay at Anfield until the summer of 2027 and cementing his status as Europe’s highest-paid defender. The deal, announced by the club on Thursday, ends months of speculation about the 33-year-old Dutchman’s future and secures a hefty salary reported to be around £400,000 ($530,000) per week, making him the third-highest earner in the Premier League.
The agreement, which includes no break or release clauses, reflects Liverpool’s commitment to retaining their defensive linchpin, who has been instrumental in their success since joining from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-world-record £75 million fee for a defender. Van Dijk’s new contract follows closely on the heels of teammate Mohamed Salah’s two-year extension, providing a significant boost for manager Arne Slot as Liverpool chase the Premier League title.
According to reports from The Athletic and The Guardian, Van Dijk’s salary remains unchanged from his previous terms, with no pay cut negotiated, underscoring his value to the club. The deal positions him above Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who earns a comparable £20 million annually, and aligns him closely with Salah’s reported £380,000-£400,000 weekly wage. The Daily Mail notes that the contract includes team-based bonuses rather than individual performance incentives, a testament to Van Dijk’s leadership and focus on collective success.
“It was always Liverpool,” Van Dijk said in a statement on the club’s website. “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.” His emotional connection to the club and city was evident as he spoke of his pride and joy in extending his journey with the Reds.
Van Dijk’s contributions to Liverpool are undeniable. Since his arrival, he has anchored a defense that delivered the 2020 Premier League title, the 2019 Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. His consistency is remarkable, having played every match in Liverpool’s title-winning 2019-20 season and earning accolades such as the PFA Player of the Year and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2019. This season, he has helped Liverpool secure 20 clean sheets in games he’s played, showing no signs of slowing down despite turning 34 this summer.
The extension comes after Van Dijk reportedly turned down approaches from other clubs, including interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in recent years. His decision to stay reaffirms his loyalty to Liverpool, where he has made 314 appearances and scored 27 goals. “I love the city, I love the club, I love the fans. I love my teammates,” he told This Is Anfield. “I love everything that embodies Liverpool, and on to many more.”
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, played a key role in negotiations with Van Dijk’s agent, Neil Fewings, ensuring a deal that satisfies both parties. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, who had feared losing their captain as his previous contract neared its end.