Virgil van Dijk has signed an extension for two additional years with Liverpool, removing any lingering doubts about his future with the club. The 33-year-old, who has been part of a significant trio with contracts up this season, follows Mohamed Salah in confirming a renewal with Liverpool. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains the only member of this influential trio whose future seems uncertain, with rumors suggesting a potential move to Real Madrid.
Van Dijk had been expected to remain at Liverpool, and sources from CBS Sports indicate that he declined attractive offers from the Saudi Pro League last summer. If he stays for the entirety of this new agreement, it will mark a nine-year tenure at Merseyside, during which he has secured the Champions League, domestic cups, and potentially two Premier League championships, the latter being more about timing than feasibility.
“It was always Liverpool,” he stated. “That was the case. It was always in my head, always the plan, and it was always Liverpool. There was never any doubt that this is where I want to be for me and my family. I consider myself a part of Liverpool, and being referred to as an adopted Scouser makes me incredibly proud.”
Although Van Dijk will turn 34 in July, he remains among the elite center backs in football and has been vital in Liverpool’s push for the pinnacle of the Premier League this season. His contract extension is a substantial message indicating the determination of the champions, particularly as the captain himself foresees both his and Salah’s new arrangements leading to a substantial summer for the club.
“Regardless of who comes and who leaves, this summer should be significant,” Van Dijk articulated following his late game-winning goal against West Ham last weekend. “There are plans in place for a big summer; we trust that the management will make the right decisions.”
As Van Dijk solidifies his place, other agreements loom, notably concerning Alexander-Arnold, whose anticipated departure for Spain accompanies the looming contract expirations of three senior team members this July, igniting speculation regarding Van Dijk’s defensive partner Ibrahima Konate possibly being a target for Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid.
