Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Image Credits: Liverpool FC

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has ended months of speculation by signing a new two-year contract extension that will keep him at Anfield until 2027.

The announcement on Thursday marks a significant milestone for both the player and the club, as the 33-year-old Dutch defender commits his future to the Reds amid their charge toward a record-equaling 20th English league title.

According to Paul Joyce, the Dutch defender will earn approximately £400,000 per week, making him arguably Europe’s highest-paid defender.

The contract contains no break or release clauses and does not include a pay cut despite his advancing age.

What makes this deal particularly interesting is the structure of the financial incentives.

Unlike many player contracts that include bonuses for individual achievements, Van Dijk’s contract primarily ties incentives to team accomplishments rather than personal accolades.

The path to this contract extension was not a straightforward one.

Negotiations between Liverpool and Van Dijk’s representatives spanned several months, with earlier reports in December 2024 suggesting the defender had initially rejected the club’s first contract offer.

The primary point of contention was believed to be the length of the contract, with Van Dijk reportedly seeking a longer commitment.

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes successfully oversaw the negotiations with Van Dijk’s agent, Neil Fewings from the ROOF agency.

But it seems there was another person that was key to ensuring that the skipper remaining at Anfield.

Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, the Dutchman revealed that he made the decision to stay at Anfield with his wife, whom he labels as a ‘big credit’ in the contract saga:

“My kids are also almost like Scousers, they don’t know anything else than Liverpool, especially my two youngest,” he explained.

“So it’s a togetherness that I really, really appreciate.

It helps me and also is what embodies me as well, that I really love how the club is in general, what it stands for and these principles and values are really important to me and my family as well.

“But it’s a big credit to my wife.

We are very lucky and blessed to be in the position where we are able to say we are going to be here for the next two years.”

Read More: Premier League rivals wanted Virgil van Dijk on free transfer

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone