Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract, committing his future to the Reds until the summer of 2027.
The 33-year-old Dutchman, whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, becomes the latest senior figure to pledge allegiance to the club following Mohamed Salah’s contract extension last week.
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-world-record £75 million fee for a defender. Since his arrival, he has made 314 appearances and played a vital role in one of the club’s most successful modern eras — helping them to Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup (twice), Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup triumphs.
“It was always Liverpool,” said Van Dijk. “That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.”
Named captain in 2023 following the departure of Jordan Henderson, Van Dijk remains an integral figure on and off the pitch, particularly as the club undergoes a transitional period under new manager and fellow Dutchman Arne Slot.
Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp at the start of the 2024/25 season, has leaned on Van Dijk’s experience to anchor a Liverpool side currently pushing for a record-equalling 20th English league title.
Van Dijk’s commitment comes after a period of uncertainty, during which he was linked with a move to French giants Paris St-Germain. Just last month, the defender admitted he had “no idea” whether he’d remain at Anfield. However, negotiations progressed swiftly earlier this month, culminating in today’s announcement.
“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family,” Van Dijk added. I belong to Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser — I’m proud to hear these things. It gives me a great feeling.”
The news of his renewal has been met with widespread jubilation among Liverpool fans, who see Van Dijk as a pillar of the club’s identity.
“Virgil is an inspirational captain,” said supporter Andy. “A cool, calm defender who emits an aura of control that enables the rest of the team to fulfil their potential.”
Yusuf, another fan, hailed Van Dijk as “the best centre-back this club has seen since Ron Yeats,” adding that the defender will play a key role in developing the likes of Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konaté.
With Van Dijk and Salah tied down, attention now turns to Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in July. The England international, who recently returned from injury, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, and his future remains unresolved.
Still, Van Dijk’s decision to stay provides crucial stability for Slot as he lays the groundwork for his tenure at Anfield.
“It’s just incredible,” Van Dijk concluded. “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.”
As Liverpool chase more silverware and usher in a new era, their captain — a symbol of consistency and leadership — will continue to stand tall at the heart of their defence.
