Virgil van Dijk signs two-year extension with Liverpool, remains top-paid defender in Europe

Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool, keeping him at Anfield until at least 2027 and earning him a reported £400,000 per week, making him the highest-paid defender in Europe. This extension, which follows Mohamed Salah’s recent renewal, represents a shift in Liverpool’s typical policy of avoiding large contracts for players over 30, highlighting the club’s recognition of Van Dijk’s ongoing value and leadership. The contract, worth around £40 million, features largely guaranteed wages with bonuses tied only to team achievements rather than individual performance. Van Dijk’s salary now ranks as the third-highest in the Premier League, behind only Salah and Erling Haaland, and underscores his vital role in the squad under new manager Arne Slot. Both club officials and Van Dijk himself have emphasized the emotional and cultural significance of his continued presence, with Van Dijk expressing his enduring commitment to Liverpool, its fans, and the city. The decision to secure long-term deals for Van Dijk and Salah signals Liverpool’s intent to balance experience with future ambitions.