April 17 – Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract, extending his stay at Anfield until the summer of 2027.
The 33-year-old Dutchman had entered the final months of his previous deal, with whispers of interest from Paris Saint-Germain, but has now followed Mohamed Salah in committing to manager Arne Slot’s project.
Van Dijk, signed for £75 million from Southampton in 2018, has made 314 appearances for the Reds and was appointed captain last summer following Jordan Henderson’s departure. Under his leadership, Liverpool have remained in contention for silverware, including what would be a 20th league title this season that would draw them level with Manchester United.
“It was always Liverpool,” he said, dismissing the PSG links as background noise. “That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool. There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family.
“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.”
Since his arrival, Van Dijk has lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup and two EFL Cups — achievements that have cemented his legacy as one of the defining signings of the Klopp era. His decision to stay signals both a belief in the club’s direction and a willingness to help guide it through what promises to be a transitional phase.
But while Van Dijk and Salah are now secured, the future of one key name remains unresolved: Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England international, who has returned to training after a month out injured, is yet to agree new terms and will be out of contract in July.
Real Madrid continue to be linked with a move, and until a deal is struck, they remain the favourites to land his signature as the scouser becomes increasingly unpopular with the Anfield faithful, with many calling for the 25-year-old to be dropped in favour of young star Conor Bradley.
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