Virgil van Dijk to extend contract at Liverpool: Discussions are ongoing

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said formal discussions over a contract extension have begun at the Premier League club. The defender's current contract is set to expire this season.

In Short

• Virgil van Dijk has started his contract talks with Liverpool
• Manager Arne Slot said performance affects contract renewals
• Liverpool currently lead the Premier League standings

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said formal discussions over a contract extension have begun at the Premier League club, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season. The 33-year-old Dutch international defender joined the Merseyside club from Southampton in 2018 and has since helped them win the Premier League, Champions League, two League Cup trophies, the FA Cup and Club World Cup.

"I can say obviously discussions are ongoing with the right people, they have started up but I don't know, we will see what happens in the future," the Netherlands skipper was quoted as saying by British media on Monday.

"My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun ... Full commitment is with Liverpool and to be successful this season."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said in August that senior players like Van Dijk, Egypt forward Mohamed Salah and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are in the final year of their contracts, must earn their future deals. The Dutch coach, who is in his first season in charge at Anfield, added that any contract extensions would depend on their performance in the current campaign.
Liverpool lead the standings by a point ahead of Manchester City after eight games this season.

Virgil van Djik's Career in Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk's career at Liverpool has been nothing short of phenomenal since his arrival in January 2018. Signed from Southampton for a then-world-record transfer fee of £75 million for a defender, Van Dijk has transformed Liverpool's defense and played a pivotal role in the club's recent successes.

Upon his debut on January 5, 2018, Van Dijk made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Everton in the FA Cup, a feat that marked him as the first player since Bill White in 1901 to score on his debut in the Merseyside derby. This set the tone for his time at Liverpool, where he quickly formed a strong defensive partnership with Dejan Lovren, significantly improving the team's defensive solidity.

Van Dijk's influence extended beyond his defensive prowess; he brought a level of leadership and composure that was instrumental in Liverpool's trophy haul. In the 2018-19 season, he was a key figure as Liverpool reached back-to-back UEFA Champions League finals, winning the title in 2019. His performances earned him numerous accolades, including the PFA Players' Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season awards. He also became the first defender to win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award in 2019.

The 2019-20 season was historic for Liverpool, with Van Dijk playing every single minute of the Premier League campaign as the Reds secured their first league title in 30 years with a record 99 points. He contributed five goals, including crucial strikes against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United.

Van Dijk's leadership qualities were further recognized when, following the departure of Jordan Henderson in the summer of 2023, he was named as Liverpool's new captain. In this role, he led the team to victory in the 2023-24 EFL Cup final, scoring the winning goal in extra time against Chelsea and earning the Alan Hardaker Trophy for the second time in his career.

Throughout his tenure at Liverpool, Van Dijk has been consistently selected for the PFA Team of the Year and has helped the team win multiple trophies, including the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. His aerial prowess, skills from dead-ball situations, and strong leadership have cemented his status as one of the best defenders in world football.