Virgil van Dijk signs two-year contract extension with Liverpool

Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a two-year contract extension with the English Premier League Club on Thursday, extending his stay until 2027.

The 33-year-old Netherlands defender, who joined the club in 2018 from Southampton, followed in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah, who signed a similar extension with the club last week.

“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 said. 

Van Dijk played a crucial role in the club's sucessful Premier League campaign in 2019, helping the club win the title after a 30 year long wait. The same year, he came second in the Ballond’Or vote, narrowly missing out to then Barcelona star Lionell Messi. 

The Dutch captain also boasts a glittering trophy cabinet decorated with the Premier League, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups. He has also scored 27 goals for Liverpool in 314 appearances. 

"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.

Van Dijk was given the captain's armband by Liverpool on a permanent basis in 2023, following the departure of English star Jordan Henderson.