Van the man
Virgil van Dijk signs stunning new two-year Liverpool contract to become Europe’s best-paid defender
Scroll down to see where Van Dijk ranks in the top defenders
VIRGIL VAN DIJK has signed a new two-year deal with Liverpool that will reportedly make him the best-paid defender in Europe.
The news follows Mohamed Salah putting pen to paper on a new deal last week.
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The Dutchman's contract at Anfield was due to expire this summer.
However, after positive talks in recent weeks the 33-year-old has now agreed to extend his stay until 2027.
Speaking about the new deal, which comes seven-and-a-half years following his initial arrival from Southampton, the Reds captain told club media: "I’m very happy, very proud.
"There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.
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"It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible.
"The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy."
According to The Athletic, Van Dijk's new deal will see him earn a staggering £400,000 a week.
These wages make him the best paid defender in European football, ahead of Real Madrid's David Alaba who reportedly earns just shy of £360,000.
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However, Van Dijk falls shy of the mega-wages of Al-Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who is said to earn more than £550,000 a week.
A large portion of these colossal terms are guaranteed, with some team incentives also added as an additional boost.
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Van Dijk added: "It was always Liverpool. That was the case.
"It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.
“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, it gives me a great feeling."
Van Dijk has played 314 times for Liverpool so far, scoring 27 goals and adding 13 assists.
His latest goal was a late winner against West Ham that put the club within touching distance of the Premier League title.
The late winner put Arne Slot's side 13 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with six games to go.
Should they confirm the title, Liverpool will match Manchester United on 20 English league titles.
It will also be the second league title Van Dijk has won, adding to the successful 2019/20 campaign.
Van Dijk has also won the Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup, Community Shield and two League Cups since his arrival.
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The deals of Van Dijk and Salah make two of the fab three out of contract this summer.
But reports last month indicated that Trent Alexander-Arnold was set to sign for Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires this summer.
