Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract, confirming his long-term commitment to the club. The 33-year-old, one of Liverpool`s key players with an expiring contract, has agreed to extend his stay for two more years, similar to Mohamed Salah. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the other player in this group, is likely to move to Real Madrid for free.
It was widely anticipated that Van Dijk would stay at Liverpool. Sources indicate he turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia last summer. If he completes this new contract, he will have played for Liverpool for nine years, during which he has won the Champions League, domestic cups, and is expected to win a second Premier League title soon.
Van Dijk stated, `Liverpool was always my choice. It was always my plan and in my mind. I had no doubt that Liverpool is the right place for me and my family. I feel like I belong to Liverpool. Someone recently called me an adopted Scouser, and I`m very proud of that, it`s a great feeling.`
Despite turning 34 in July, Van Dijk continues to be a top center-back and has been crucial in Liverpool`s strong Premier League performance this season. Keeping him is a strong signal of intent from the likely champions, especially as Van Dijk believes his and Salah`s contract extensions will lead to significant activity at Liverpool in the summer.
Van Dijk commented after a recent game, `Regardless of player transfers, I think it will be a big summer for Liverpool. I believe the club plans significant moves, and we, as Liverpool fans, must trust the management to make the right decisions.`
Liverpool still has other contracts to deal with, even though Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave. Three senior players will have only one year left on their contracts in July. There are rumors that Ibrahima Konate, Van Dijk`s defensive partner, is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Dominic Ashworth