According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, Liverpool centre-back Virgil Van Dijk has agreed to sign a new six-year contract in the aftermath of Harry Maguire’s £80m move to join Manchester United earlier this summer. It is believed that Maguire’s record-breaking move has triggered a wage hike among premium defenders in Europe and so the Reds have wasted no time by offering a fresh long-term deal to keep Van Dijk at Anfield until 2025 (via the Daily Mirror).
The same source has also revealed that the Dutch defensive ace will be getting a significant pay increase from £125,000-a-week to £200,000-a-week. This recent development will be a welcome bit of news for anyone associated with the Reds as it ensures that the club is willing to keep hold of their star players to establish long-term success at Merseyside.
Van Dijk’s Incredible Spell At Merseyside
Van Dijk had the best season of his playing career in the 2018-19 campaign when he helped his team win the UEFA Champions League. He has continued his excellent work at the back this season as he emerged victorious in the UEFA Super Cup with the Reds. The Dutch superstar has also helped his team win all four of their matches in the Premier League thus far.
The 28-year-old came close to winning the UEFA Nations League with the Netherlands, but Portugal beat them in the final hurdle earlier this summer. Van Dijk recently starred in his country’s 4-2 win over Germany in the 2020 UEFA Euro qualifiers.
The Dutch International Extends Anfield Stay: Big Boost For Klopp?
Van Dijk is currently playing at his prime, so it will be a huge boost for Liverpool to tie him up on a new contract. It will ensure that the Dutch defender will spend his best years at Anfield which will undeniably help Klopp maintain his stranglehold in European football.
Furthermore, the Reds are still looking to end their long wait for a Premier League title, so Van Dijk could be the player who can help them achieve that feat if he ends up honouring his contract.
The former Celtic centre-half was recently named the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year and could be in line to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or for his achievements with Liverpool and the Netherlands. Van Dijk is currently amongst the best players in his position. Hence, there is no denying that the Reds would benefit from retaining his services for the long-run.
