Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool defender signs contract extension until 2025
Virgil van Dijk, 30, missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury; Netherlands captain was due to be out of contract in June 2023 and follows fellow first-team regulars Alisson, Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold in signing new deals at Anfield
Sunday 15 August 2021 10:12, UK
Virgil van Dijk has extended his contract with Liverpool until the summer of 2025.
The Netherlands captain, 30, joined Liverpool from Southampton for £75m in January 2018 and was due to be out of contract in June 2023.
Van Dijk made his comeback to first-team action in pre-season after nine months out with a serious knee injury sustained in October's Merseyside derby.
"All the hard work we've put in so far continues and I am looking forward to what the future brings together with Liverpool. I'm delighted, very happy and proud," the centre-back said.
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The defender has made 130 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals, for the club since his arrival and was a big absence as Jurgen Klopp's side were unable to successfully defend the Premier League title last season.
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"Since day one when I joined the club, I felt so much appreciation from the fans and from my teammates and the staff, that I could be a very important member of this football club," said Van Dijk, who has also won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with Liverpool.
"It has been going well; unfortunately last season for me personally has been a season to forget, to learn from and take with me, but I have enjoyed my time here and will keep enjoying it in the next couple of years altogether with all of you."
Van Dijk follows established Liverpool regulars Alisson, Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold in committing to a new deal at Anfield ahead of the new season.
Van Dijk targets competitive return at Norwich
Liverpool visit Norwich at Carrow Road in their Premier League opener on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
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Van Dijk added: "I feel like I am ready for the weekend, so we'll see what the manager decides. It is going to be a totally different atmosphere and mindset for me personally as well."
Klopp said: "It's great news. The good thing about this signing is we know him already.
"It was very difficult last year, but he is back on track. Absolutely great, great news. Imagine we had to buy him now. Thank God we only have to give him a new contract."
