Van Dijk commits future to Liverpool with new long-term contract

Jason Soutar
Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has signed a contract extension with the club which will keep him at Anfield until 2025, the Reds have confirmed.

Van Dijk has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success in recent seasons, helping the Merseyside club win the Premier League in 2020 and the Champions League a year prior.

The Holland captain signed for the Reds in December 2017 for a then £75million record fee for a defender from Southampton.

Here we go: F365’s season predictions for 2021/22

He has made 130 appearances for Liverpool but has not played a competitive fixture since October last year after picking up an ACL injury against Everton.

The 30-year-old’s current deal was due to run until 2023 but he has extended that by two years.

He is the fourth senior player to sign a new contract in recent weeks after Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and Alisson Becker.

Van Dijk told liverpoolfc.com: “It is something to be very proud of, that I am very proud of, that my wife and my kids are very proud of and obviously my agency.

“All the hard work we’ve put in so far continues and I am looking forward to what the future brings together with Liverpool. I’m delighted, very happy and proud.

“Unfortunately last season for me personally has been a season to forget, to learn from and take with me, but I have enjoyed my time here and will keep enjoying it in the next couple of years altogether with all of you.”

The Dutchman is also optimistic about his chances of starting in Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Norwich City on Saturday.

“I feel like I am ready for the weekend, so we’ll see what the manager decides,” he added.

“It is going to be a totally different atmosphere and mindset for me personally as well. It is something we fight for, for the points, and hopefully we can get a positive result out of it.”

Liverpool finished fourth in the league last term after a difficult season, but with a fully fit squad, they should mount more of a title challenge this time around.

However, a lot of people are overlooking the Reds with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United improving in the transfer window.

Liverpool’s lack of transfer activity is a worry for some fans, but the return of VvD, Jordan Henderson and Joe Gomez will give Jurgen Klopp a massive boost.

Liverpool Virgil Van Dijk

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