Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool captain signs contract extension

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract at Anfield, ending months of speculation over his future.

Van Dijk’s previous deal was set to expire this summer. Negotiations, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, have been taking place with Van Dijk’s representative, Neil Fewings, for several months.

Sources have told ESPN that from the outset of those negotiations, it was abundantly clear that the desire of both parties was to extend Van Dijk’s stay at Anfield.

Having also renewed Mohamed Salah’s contract, Liverpool believe the retention Van Dijk, represents a huge statement of intent as the club seek to build on the success of Arne Slot’s debut season.

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 and has since cemented himself as one of the best central defenders in world football.

He has made more than 300 appearances for the club, winning seven major honours including the Premier League and the Champions League.

The Netherlands international has been in typically commanding form this season, with Liverpool on course to win the club’s 20th league title.

Van Dijk is the second of Liverpool’s three out-of-contract players to sign a new deal, withSalah committing to a new two-year contract earlier this month.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is yet to be decided amid continued links to Real Madrid.