Virgil van Dijk conveyed his deep affection for Liverpool and his pride in serving as the club’s captain, hinting at a potential contract extension following his late goal that secured a 2-1 victory over West Ham on Sunday.
The Dutch defender’s current contract is set to expire at the season’s conclusion, but reports indicate that he is nearing an agreement to join Mohamed Salah in signing a new deal.
Although Van Dijk did not perform at his usual high standard defensively, as he and Andy Robertson inadvertently allowed West Ham to equalize just four minutes before the end, he quickly redeemed himself by heading in a corner from Alexis Mac Allister, which helped Liverpool establish a 13-point lead at the top of the league.
Liverpool requires a maximum of six points from their remaining six matches and could clinch the title as soon as next weekend, depending on the outcomes of other games.
“I am extremely proud to have captained my 100th match for Liverpool,” Van Dijk stated to Sky Sports when asked about his future.
“The primary goal was to secure three points and move closer to achieving our collective aspirations—not just for us as players and staff, but for everyone associated with Liverpool FC.
“Everyone is aware of my love for this club, and we will see what unfolds next week.”
Salah has encouraged his long-time teammate to remain at Anfield after resolving his own future by signing a two-year contract.
“I’m pleased to have done that early, before the season concludes, and I hope Virgil will follow suit,” Salah remarked. “I would love to see him here again next year.”
