In a highly anticipated move, Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the club by signing a new two-year contract.
The 33-year-old Dutchman’s new deal, which will see him earn around £400,000 per week, not only makes him the highest-paid defender in Europe, but also secures his position at Anfield until at least 2027.
Ending Months of Speculation
For months, there had been intense speculation surrounding Van Dijk’s future at Liverpool.
Rumors had been swirling, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering whether the towering defender would stay at the club beyond his current deal.
The new contract officially ends that uncertainty, confirming that Van Dijk is set to continue his successful career at Liverpool.
The new deal mirrors the recent contract extension signed by Mohamed Salah, the club’s star forward.
This move is significant as Liverpool has generally been cautious about offering lucrative contracts to players in their 30s.
However, Van Dijk’s immense contributions to the club, including his pivotal role in Liverpool’s near title-winning season, made retaining him an absolute priority.
Van Dijk’s Earnings in the Global Context
Despite securing a generous deal, Van Dijk is still far from being the highest-paid defender in world football.
That distinction belongs to Kalidou Koulibaly, who earns a staggering £553,225 per week at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
The 33-year-old’s move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 has made him the most well-compensated player in his position globally.
In comparison, Van Dijk’s £400,000 per week salary puts him second on the list of highest-paid defenders, ahead of Aymeric Laporte, who earns £390,627 per week at Al-Nassr, also in Saudi Arabia.
Other notable players in the top ten include David Alaba of Real Madrid (£358,739), and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi (£347,897) and Lucas Hernandez (£302,935).
A Proud Moment for Van Dijk
After signing his contract, Van Dijk spoke with pride about his decision to stay at Liverpool.
He expressed his joy, saying, “I’m very happy, very proud.
There are so many emotions that go through my head right now speaking about it. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to extend my journey with this amazing club.”
Van Dijk also shared how his connection with Liverpool goes beyond just football.
“It was always Liverpool in my head,” he revealed.
“There wasn’t any doubt in my mind that this is where I want to be, for me and my family.
Someone called me an ‘adopted Scouser’ the other day, and that made me incredibly proud. It gives me a great feeling.”
Van Dijk’s Legacy at Liverpool
Since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has made 314 appearances for the club, 100 of which were as captain.
During his time at Anfield, he has led the team to numerous successes, including winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and two Carabao Cups, along with a FIFA Club World Cup.
His influence on and off the field has been invaluable, and this new contract ensures that his leadership will continue to guide the team for at least two more seasons.