‘Adopted Scouser’ Virgil van Dijk extends Liverpool contract until 2027
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Virgil Van Dijk has been the bedrock of a defence that has helped Liverpool win numerous trophies
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
LONDON – Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has extended his contract, with the Dutch centre back signing to remain at Anfield until 2027, the English Premier League club said on April 17, ending a protracted saga that had dragged on for several months.
Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool in 2017 for a world-record fee for a defender reported to be £75 million (S$130.3 million), has been the bedrock of a defence that has helped them win numerous trophies, including a first Premier League title.
“It’s a proud feeling, it’s 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,” he said in a statement.
Van Dijk’s contract was set to expire in June and, although formal discussions over an extension had begun earlier this season,
The 33-year-old, who was handed the captain’s armband in 2023 after the departure of Jordan Henderson, said in March he had “no idea” if he would be a Liverpool player next season.
But in the statement on April 17, he said: “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, it gives me a great feeling.”
Van Dijk follows Egypt forward Mohamed Salah in signing an extension after the 32-year-old committed to the club until 2027,
Recruited when Jurgen Klopp was in charge at Anfield, van Dijk was also a threat at the other end with 24 Premier League goals – more than any central defender since he made his top-flight debut with Southampton in 2015.
The towering centre back was named Premier League Player of the Season in his first full campaign with Liverpool in 2018-19 while the club also won the Champions League, giving him the Uefa Player of the Year gong.
However, the Dutchman narrowly missed out on the 2019 Ballon d'Or, finishing second to Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.
He then helped Liverpool win the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, their first league title in 30 years. REUTERS
