Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has ended any uncertainty about his future by signing a new two-year contract that commits him to Anfield until the summer of 2027.
The 33-year-old Netherlands international’s previous terms were scheduled to expire once this season concludes and for many months it was unclear if an agreement would be found.
But Van Dijk always intended to stay and that is what Liverpool wanted as well, which ensured the negotiations reached the desired outcome.
There are no break or release clauses in the fresh terms and the centre-back will not be taking a pay cut, meaning he continues to earn a salary believed to be in the region of £400,000 ($530k) per week. The wages are largely guaranteed — and expected to maintain his status as Europe’s best-paid defender — with the only incentives relating to team success rather than individual performance.
Van Dijk received approaches from elsewhere but given how well remunerated he is and the stature of his club, only a small group of suitors would have stood a chance — and leaving Liverpool never appealed to the Dutchman.
His ongoing desire to compete for the biggest trophies was matched by what Liverpool are determined to keep offering and their summer transfer plans are expected to underline that.
“I’m very happy, very proud,” Van Dijk said. “There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.
“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.
“It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.
“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, it gives me a great feeling.”
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes handled the talks with Van Dijk’s representative Neil Fewings, of the agency ROOF, and at no point did they break down or offers get rejected; the lengthy discussions are said to have been regular and cordial, finally striking a compromise that suited all parties.
There were various reasons why the situation took so long to resolve, notably the amount of change Liverpool have experienced — including Hughes succeeding Jorg Schmadtke, Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp and a different playing style being implemented — and time was needed to make such important decisions.
The situation was overseen by Michael Edwards, chief executive of football at Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which has a strong relationship with Van Dijk.
Extending Van Dijk, so soon after forward Mohamed Salah also put pen to paper, represents a significant boost for Liverpool as they close in on the Premier League title.
‘An inspirational leader’
Analysis by Liverpool correspondent James Pearce
Giving a new two-year contract to one of your highest wage earners when he’s approaching his 34th birthday in July could be considered a gamble.
However, Van Dijk’s enduring value to Liverpool makes this sizeable investment to keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2027 a no-brainer.
The Netherlands international has played every minute of every Premier League game this season in leading Arne Slot’s side to the brink of a title triumph.
But for the goal-scoring feats of Salah, Van Dijk would be the front-runner for the player of the year awards. There have been a couple of blips in recent weeks, but for the most part the Dutchman has been immense at the heart of Liverpool’s backline.
Calm and commanding, he brings out the best in players around him. He’s also an inspirational leader who sets the standards at Kirkby on a daily basis.
The show goes on. pic.twitter.com/kpuiXOt7GZ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 17, 2025
Like Salah, Van Dijk had made no secret of the fact he wanted to stay at Anfield. His family are settled in the north west of England and his close bond with the fanbase was evident amid the jubilant celebrations that followed his late winner against West Ham United last weekend when he kissed the badge on his shirt. He loves the responsibility that comes with wearing the armband.
What a signing he’s been since Liverpool broke their transfer record to buy him from Southampton for £75million in the winter transfer window of 2017-18. His contribution to winning the Champions League in 2018-19 and the Premier League title the following season secured him legendary status.
Then he battled back from the agony of rupturing his ACL in October 2020 to prove that he remained the most complete centre-back in European football.
Trying to find a suitable replacement for Van Dijk this summer would have been impossible. With his new deal following hot on the heels of Salah’s extension, it’s a huge boost for Slot ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer at Anfield. Sporting director Richard Hughes has retained the services of their two most influential performers.
(Top photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
