Virgil van Dijk was in long-term discussions with Liverpool and today it was finally announced as the Dutchman recommits himself to the club.
The news was announced on Friday morning and is a huge boost just as the 2021/22 Premier League campaign is set to get underway.
The Dutchman is eligible to face Norwich City but it’s possible that Jurgen Klopp will bench him to ensure he doesn’t rush him straight back into action.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on August 11, 2021 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Upon his £75m (€88.1m) centre-half putting pen to paper on a new deal, Klopp told the club’s official website: “It’s great news.
“Absolutely great, great news. Imagine if we would have had to buy this boy now – thank God we only had to give him a new contract!”
The Dutchman is the club’s most expensive signing in their 129 history and if they were to try and buy him now from another club, with van Dijk widely regarded as the best in his position, it would likely break the Premier League’s new £100m transfer record.
Fabrizio Romano, who reported at the end of 2020 that Liverpool were already initiating talks with van Dijk, says the Reds have been in long-term negotiations with the Dutchman over his now official contract extension.
Liverpool have been so classy with Virgil Van Dijk. New contract talks started right after his injury – Liverpool wanted to show Virgil how they consider him present and future of the club. 🔴 #LFC
Today, 8 months later – new deal until June 2025 official and completed. https://t.co/6ZhcjDNMUp pic.twitter.com/waEYJfrBr9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2021
Having van Dijk back this season is going to be such a boost to Liverpool’s ability to win the game and while I’d prefer it if he sat out the first few matches to ensure he remains fit for the entire season, I can’t wait to see him in action again.
The fact that his second touch at Anfield after bringing the ball down on the pitch was to spread the ball 60 yards to Mohamed Salah blows my mind.
Of course, the real fear is what will happen if he falls awkwardly as that’s where ACL injuries can be so scary but if he can avoid those scenarios, he should be fine.
