Virgil Van Dijk Signs New Two-Year Contract With Liverpool, Becoming Europe’s Highest-Paid Defender.
Liverpool Football Club have secured the future of their talismanic captain, Virgil van Dijk, with the announcement of a new two-year contract that will keep the Dutch defender at Anfield until June 2027. The deal, confirmed by reliable sources including The Athletic, ensures the 33-year-old remains one of the club’s cornerstone players, with no break or release clauses included and his lucrative salary—believed to be around £400,000 per week—maintained, making him Europe’s highest-paid defender.
The agreement comes as a significant boost for Liverpool fans, who have endured months of uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players, including Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom were approaching the end of their contracts this summer. While speculation persists about Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid, Van Dijk’s commitment to the Reds underscores his unwavering loyalty to the club he has transformed since joining from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-world-record £75 million fee for a defender.
Van Dijk, who has been a linchpin in Liverpool’s defence and a leader both on and off the pitch, expressed his delight at extending his stay. Speaking after the announcement, he said, “I love this club, and I’ve always said I want to be here. The fans, the history, the ambition—it’s all special. I’m fully focused on bringing more success to Liverpool.” His comments echo sentiments shared earlier this month when he hinted at progress in negotiations following a 3-2 defeat to Fulham, stating, “There is progress, yeah. These are internal discussions, and we’ll see.”
The new contract, which reportedly aligns with Van Dijk’s previous demands for a two-year extension without a pay cut, reflects Liverpool’s recognition of his enduring value. Despite turning 34 in July, the Netherlands international continues to perform at an elite level, anchoring a defence that has conceded just nine goals in 18 Premier League and Champions League matches this season. His commanding presence, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game have earned praise from peers and pundits alike, with former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany once declaring him the best centre-back in Premier League history.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that Van Dijk attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including potential suitors in the Saudi Pro League. However, the defender’s heart remained with Liverpool, where he has won every major honour, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. His decision to stay is a testament to his desire to compete at the highest level under head coach Arne Slot, who has guided Liverpool to a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with only six games remaining.
Football journalist David Ornstein, reporting for The Athletic, confirmed the details of the contract, noting that the absence of break or release clauses ensures Van Dijk’s commitment to Liverpool for the full term. The deal, which has been approved by lawyers and is set to be formally signed imminently, positions Van Dijk as the continent’s highest-paid defender, surpassing the likes of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Silva in reported earnings.
Liverpool’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Richard Hughes and owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have faced criticism for their cautious approach to offering lucrative contracts to players in their thirties. However, Van Dijk’s exceptional form and leadership have made him an exception to the rule. Manager Arne Slot praised the decision, stating, “Virgil is the backbone of this team. His experience and quality are vital for what we want to achieve. This news gives us a positive vibe as we push for trophies.”
The announcement follows hot on the heels of Mohamed Salah’s own two-year contract extension, confirmed last week, which has further galvanised the Liverpool squad and fanbase. With the Reds on the cusp of securing their 20th league title and still competing in the Champions League, Van Dijk’s decision to stay provides stability and optimism for a club aiming to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Fans took to social media to express their joy, with one supporter posting, “Virgil van Dijk staying until 2027 and becoming the best-paid centre-back in the world—absolutely deserved! Our captain, our rock.” Another wrote, “Huge coup for Liverpool. VVD’s presence guarantees more silverware.”
As Liverpool prepare for their next fixture against Leicester City, Van Dijk’s commitment signals a bright future for Slot’s side. With their captain locked in for another two years, the Reds are well-positioned to build on their remarkable season and cement their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs.