Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has penned a new two-year contract with the club after months of speculation linking him with a move.
The 33-year-old Netherlands centre-back’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but Van Dijk has joined forward Mohamed Salah, who signed a two-year extension last week, in committing his future to the club.
“It was always Liverpool,” said Van Dijk, who had been linked with a move to Paris St-Germain.
“That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.”
The Dutchman, who has made 314 appearances for the Reds, was named Liverpool captain in 2023 following Jordan Henderson’s departure.
“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family,” said Van Dijk.
“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.
“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.”
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for £75 million, then a record fee for a defender.
Since then, he has helped Liverpool win the English Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup and EFL Cup twice.
Under Liverpool manager and fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, who is in his first season in the role, Van Dijk has been key in helping the Reds close in on a record-equalling 20th English league title.
