Paul Joyce Reveals How much Virgil van Dijk will earn from his new LFC deal | OneFootball

Van Dijk Commits Future to Liverpool as Reds Secure Key Leadership Core

In a significant development that underlines Liverpool’s commitment to blending legacy with progression, Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract with the club. As reported by Paul Joyce in The Times, this extension will keep the Dutch centre-back at Anfield until the summer of 2027 and is worth an estimated £40 million.

This move comes hot on the heels of Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal, reinforcing a trend of strategic continuity from Liverpool’s hierarchy under the stewardship of Arne Slot, Richard Hughes, and the returning Michael Edwards.

Legacy built on influence, not just metrics

Van Dijk’s story at Liverpool was always about more than just his defensive prowess. Since joining in 2018 from Southampton for a then-record £75 million, he has become not only a cornerstone of the defence but a figurehead on and off the pitch. Joyce notes that when Van Dijk spoke with Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson before his move, the message was clear: “You’ll become a legend.”

Seven years later, he’s lived up to that prophecy.

Physical and tactical evolution under Slot

Despite turning 33, Van Dijk has shown no signs of decline. As Joyce writes, “He has the highest win percentage — 68 — of any Liverpool player to have played more than 300 games for the club.” In a campaign where he has played every Premier League minute, his durability and elite-level conditioning have stood out.

Arne Slot has been key in unlocking a new dimension in Van Dijk’s game. In their initial conversations, Slot challenged Van Dijk to expand his passing range and play through the lines. The result has been a more dynamic contribution from deep and a captaincy style that goes beyond arm-waving and tunnel shouting

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Contract strategy evolves for unique players

Typically, Liverpool have adhered to cautious contract policies with players over 30. But Joyce explains that Van Dijk and Salah are “outliers,” whose influence can’t be quantified by analytics alone. Van Dijk leads the league in critical defensive metrics and provides a calm authority that is rare even among top-flight defenders.

Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool’s new sporting structure acknowledged this. Mike Gordon initiated talks back in February 2024, shortly after Jürgen Klopp’s departure announcement. The message was clear: they wanted Van Dijk to stay, and Van Dijk wanted to continue.

Deal mechanics reflect mutual ambition

Negotiations, led by Richard Hughes and supported by David Woodfine, weren’t without their tense moments. Van Dijk, represented by Neil Fewings of ROOF agency, was reportedly approached by other elite European sides. Still, as Joyce notes, “the preference was always to give Liverpool the opportunity to strike an accord.”

Now that they have, the contract includes provisions for performance bonuses and keeps Van Dijk at his current salary level. That reflects both financial prudence and a belief in the defender’s enduring quality.

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This deal feels like more than just good business—it’s symbolic. It’s a nod to the past, a reinforcement of the present, and a bet on the near future. When you lose a figure like Jürgen Klopp, continuity in leadership becomes paramount. Keeping Van Dijk, just after extending Salah, provides that continuity.

Van Dijk has been monumental since his arrival. You can count on one hand the number of centre-backs globally who blend physical dominance, tactical intelligence, and leadership like he does. His influence goes beyond the data—although even the stats back his case: top five in virtually every meaningful defensive metric in the league.

Slot deserves credit too. He’s clearly recognised the need to evolve Van Dijk’s role rather than simply preserve it. Asking him to pass through the lines and vary his distribution has added an extra layer to Liverpool’s build-up play.

This contract shows that the club still knows how to protect its core. With Alexander-Arnold’s future uncertain and a squad in transition, keeping Van Dijk isn’t just the right move—it might be the most important one they’ve made this season.