Virgil van Dijk joins Mohamed Salah in extending Liverpool contract

Months of speculation have come to an end as Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract for the club.

Joining the Reds in the 2018 January transfer window, the Dutchman has revolutionised Liverpool's defence, becoming one of Europe's best central defenders in the process.

In his first season at the club he was involved in a Liverpool side that reached the UEFA Champions League final, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid but evidently commended on a personal level by being included in the UEFA Champions League squad of the season.

The following year, Van Dijk and Liverpool would win the competition, defeating Spurs 2-0 in an industrious defensive display. He would conclude the 2019 calendar year with a second placed finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings, narrowly beaten by the great Lionel Messi.

In Van Dijk’s second full season at the heart of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool defence, the 2019/20 term, the Reds would end a 30-year wait for the league title.

A truly transformational impact which saw Liverpool convert from a good team to a formidable force.

Aged 33 and having sustained an ACL injury in the 2020/21 season, questions were asked as to whether we will see the Liverpool captain slow down in his latter years.

The 2024/25 campaign has suggested otherwise, however, maintaining a ridiculously high level as Arne Slot's side close in on a 20th league title for the club.

It's reported that the agreed length of the new deal is two years, which would see the captain's contract expire in the summer of 2027.

In the Reds' most recent Premier League outing, Van Dijk was on hand to gift Liverpool a late winner against West Ham, followed up by a passionate celebration, grabbing the Liverpool badge and viewed by many as an early indication that the Dutchman is staying put in Merseyside beyond the 2024/25 term.

In an interview released on the official Liverpool F.C. website, Van Dijk said: "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, for my family.

"Someone called me the other day, an adopted Scouser, so really proud to hear these things.

"I love this city, I love the club, I love the fans, I love my teammates, I love everything that embodies Liverpool and onto many more."

Ellis Statham

• Liverpool F.C.
• Premier League
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