Van Dijk signs Liverpool deal until 2027

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has officially extended his stay at Anfield, signing a contract that commits him to the club until 2027. The Dutch centre-back, who joined Liverpool in 2017 for a then-record fee of £75 million for a defender, has been a cornerstone in the club's recent successes, including lifting the Champions League and securing their first Premier League title in 30 years.

The announcement, which ended a protracted negotiation process, came alongside similar positive news from club stalwart Mohamed Salah, who recently extended his own deal until 2027. With these key players securing their futures, manager Arne Slot now has a strengthened squad as Liverpool looks to bolster its ranks in the close season.

Van Dijk expressed his elation in a statement, highlighting his deep connection with the club. He said, "It was always Liverpool... 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." His new deal reportedly positions him among the highest-paid defenders in the world, with earnings reportedly reaching up to £400,000 per week through a combination of base wage and performance-related bonuses.

At 33, van Dijk has had an exceptional season, demonstrating remarkable consistency by playing every minute of the campaign and leading the Premier League in several defensive metrics. His leadership has been pivotal in Liverpool’s dominance in the league; the team now sits 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal and could secure the title with just six points from their remaining six games.

The contract extension is seen as a significant boost for Liverpool, reinforcing stability and ambition as the club marches towards further domestic and European successes. With van Dijk and Salah now committed until 2027, Liverpool fans can look forward to sustained excellence from a team that clearly identifies itself as a long-term contender.