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Image Credits: Liverpool FC

Liverpool fans were greeted to the wonderful news on Thursday that captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract, extending his stay at Anfield until summer 2027.

The deal ends months of speculation and follows Mohamed Salah’s recent renewal, solidifying the core of Arne Slot’s title-chasing squad.

Reports indicate he retains his status as Europe’s highest-paid defender, earning approximately £385,000 weekly.

Speaking on the signed and sealed contract, the 33-year-old said:

“Very happy, very proud.

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.”

The Liverpool captain has featured in every single minute of their Premier League campaign this season, and at 33 years old, he now stands just two victories away from becoming the first Dutch player to captain a team to the Premier League title46.

Throughout a season marked by speculation and contract discussions, Arne Slot has managed to keep the squad’s focus sharp.

The manager’s ability to prevent off-field contract issues from distracting the team has been instrumental in maintaining Liverpool’s momentum at the top of the table.

But according to Lewis Steele for the Daily Mail there was another Premier League side sniffing around Van Dijk.

Steele claims Chelsea explored a move for the Dutchman last summer – but Van Dijk only had eyes for Liverpool:

“He had interest from elsewhere, though.

It was just a friendly natter.”

Luckily, after several months of negotiations led by sporting director Richard Hughes and Van Dijk’s representative Neil Fewings, both parties reached an agreement to continue their partnership.

And the defender’s own words after signing the contract shows that he never really considered the Blues:

It was always Liverpool.

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.”

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