Liverpool have announced that Virgil van Dijk has extended his contract with the club.

The Netherlands international has been a key influence in the heart of the Liverpool backline throughout the campaign, despite injuries threatening to cause Slot issues defensively.

Van Dijk has guided Liverpool through those tricky periods and put the club on course to win his second Premier League title at the club.



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."

Virgil van Dijk breaks silence on contract extension: “It was always Liverpool”	Virgil van Dijk signs two-year contract extension to stay at Liverpool	Liverpool's dream defence after Virgil van Dijk contract extension and three signings

The defender was in the final few months of his contract on Merseyside prior to today’s announcement, but he has opted to snub offers from elsewhere – notably the Saudi Pro League – to follow in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah and commit his future to Liverpool’s project.

Speaking earlier this week, Van Dijk hinted once again that a new deal was in the works when opening up on why he joined, and why he loves, the club having arrived from Southampton in January 2017.

He said: "I joined the club in 2017 for many reasons.

"Reasons like how much it means to all the Scousers, to all the fans around the whole world to be connected to Liverpool.

Being successful with Liverpool; the culture of the club, everything that embodies Liverpool that is just part of me.

"That's why I'm always proud when I wear that shirt, go out there and try to be the best version of myself in terms of the football player that I am.

We are two wins, six points away from glory.

"I know what it means to the club and I know what it will bring us if it happens.