Home Football Virgil van Dijk Signs New Two-Year Liverpool Deal to Become Europe’s Best-Paid Defender, Joins Salah in Long-Term Anfield Commitment

Virgil van Dijk Signs New Two-Year Liverpool Deal to Become Europe’s Best-Paid Defender, Joins Salah in Long-Term Anfield Commitment

Football — 04/18/2025

Virgil van Dijk Commits Future to Liverpool with New Contract Through 2027

Virgil van Dijk has officially pledged his future to Liverpool, putting an end to months of speculation by signing a two-year contract extension. The 33-year-old captain will now remain at Anfield until 2027, joining teammate Mohamed Salah, who signed a similar deal just last week.

Van Dijk’s new contract reportedly earns him around £400,000-per-week, making him Europe’s highest-paid defender and matching Salah’s salary. The agreement also signals a significant statement of intent from the club, following a turbulent season and managerial transition.

Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to Liverpool, signing a new deal with the club

Sporting director Richard Hughes, who recently joined from Bournemouth, led the negotiations. Since arriving, Hughes has successfully appointed Arne Slot as the club’s next manager and tied down two of Liverpool’s most influential players.

Van Dijk: “It Was Always Liverpool”

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Van Dijk expressed his emotion and pride in extending his stay:

“There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now. It’s a proud feeling, 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.”

 

The Liverpool captain's Anfield future has been the subject of huge speculation this season

He continued:

“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.”

A Legacy of Success

Since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has made 314 appearances, captaining the side in 100 of those. His tenure includes winning:

Premier League

 

Van Dijk's commitment to Liverpool will come as a welcome boost to manager Arne Slot

Champions League

FA Cup

2 Carabao Cups

FIFA Club World Cup

The news was announced by the club via a celebratory tweet:“The skipper stays”, accompanied by the caption “It was always Liverpool.”

What’s Next?

While Van Dijk and Salah have secured their futures at the club, uncertainty still surrounds Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract this summer. Real Madrid have reportedly made a substantial offer for the vice-captain, who could leave on a free transfer. No official agreement has been made yet, but all eyes remain on whether Liverpool can hold onto another of their key players.

This announcement marks a major step forward for the Arne Slot era, providing a strong foundation as Liverpool look to transition smoothly post-Klopp.