Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has officially signed a new contract extension that will keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2027, putting an end to speculation about his future and reinforcing the club’s long-term plans under manager Arne Slot.

The Dutch centre-back, 33, has been a towering presence in Liverpool’s backline since arriving from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-world-record fee of £75 million. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation, playing a pivotal role in the club’s golden era under Jürgen Klopp winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

"It's a proud feeling, it's a feeling of joy," Van Dijk said after putting pen to paper. "There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser I’m really proud to hear these things.”

Reportedly earning up to £400,000 per week with performance-related bonuses, Van Dijk’s new contract makes him one of the highest-paid defenders in world football. The deal also underscores Liverpool’s ambition to keep its leadership core intact, especially after recently extending the contract of fellow club icon Mohamed Salah.

This renewal arrives at a pivotal moment for the club. With Liverpool currently leading the Premier League by 13 points with six games to go, Van Dijk’s experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through a demanding title run-in.

The extension also serves as a morale booster amid growing speculation that vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold could be targeted by Real Madrid in the summer. Keeping Van Dijk, who has been both a defensive rock and a vocal leader, sends a strong message of stability and intent from the Liverpool hierarchy.

Van Dijk’s commitment to Liverpool signals a new chapter for the club under manager Arne Slot. As the Reds prepare for life after Jürgen Klopp, having an experienced leader like Van Dijk anchoring the defense offers continuity, strength, and inspiration for the next generation of stars coming through the ranks.