BREAKING: Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk Pens New Two-Year Contract, Eyes Long-Term Stay; Salah’s Future Also Secure
In a major development, Liverpool’s skipper Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract, keeping him with the Reds until 2027. However, the commanding centre-back has hinted at an even longer stay at Anfield, with reports suggesting he believes he can maintain his elite form for at least another three years. The Dutch international’s performances this season, at the age of 33, have reinforced his confidence in his physical prowess and longevity. Van Dijk, a big believer in sports science, attributes his regime of aquatic workouts, saunas, and ice baths to his ability to sustain top-level performance. The defender has set his sights on following in the footsteps of sporting legends like LeBron James and Roger Federer, who continued to perform at the highest level well into their late 30s and early 40s. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s other talismanic attacker, has also seen his future secured by Fenway Sports Group with a long-term extension. The Egyptian winger’s representatives believe he has at least another three years at the top.
Headline:
Van Dijk Signs New Liverpool Deal, Eyes Long-Term Future; Salah Next?
Liverpool’s Van Dijk Pens Two-Year Extension, Set Sights on Longer Stay
In a significant move, Liverpool Football Club has secured the services of club captain Virgil van Dijk for another two years, with the Dutch powerhouse penning a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2027. However, whispers from the Anfield dressing room suggest that the giant defender is already eyeing an even longer stay.
The two-year extension comes as a shift in Liverpool’s long-standing policy of not offering long-term contracts to players over the age of 30. The Merseyside club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have bent their own rules for Van Dijk and his teammate, Mohamed Salah, after recognizing their immense contributions to the club’s recent successes.
Van Dijk’s Performance speaks Volumes
The reasoning behind FSG’s decision is clear: Van Dijk and Salah are arguably Liverpool’s two best players and, in their respective positions, two of the world’s finest. Van Dijk’s consistently commanding performances at the heart of Liverpool’s defense have justified his reported weekly wage of around £380,000. As he enters his mid-30s, the towering center-back has shown no signs of slowing down.
Van Dijk: “I’m Not Close to Finishing Yet”
According to the Times‘ Paul Joyce, Van Dijk “does not intend for his association to end in the summer of 2027.” The Dutchman believes he can continue playing at an elite level for at least another three or four years. A testament to his confidence is his remarkable performances this season, which he began at the age of 33.
Van Dijk’s secret? A meticulous approach to sports science and his overall health. He employs a private team to assist with nutrition, recovery, and gym work. His daily routine includes aqua cycling sessions in his home swimming pool, regular sauna visits, and ice baths. This commitment to his body is reminiscent of legendary athletes like Tom Brady and Roger Federer, who enjoyed prolonged success well into their 40s.
Did you know? Virgil van Dijk is a strict vegetarian, which he believes has helped him maintain his fitness and strength throughout his career.
Following in the Footsteps of Silva and LeBron
Thiago Silva, who was still a regular starter for Chelsea last season at the age of 39, is a role model for Van Dijk. The Liverpudlian center-back also hopes to emulate the likes of LeBron James, who is still at the top of his game at 40. Van Dijk’s goal is clear: to defy age and continue making a significant impact at Anfield.
Salah Next in Line for Extension
Mohamed Salah’s contract is also set to expire in 2027, and there’s growing speculation that the Egyptian king may soon follow Van Dijk’s lead. Recently, BBC Sport‘s Sami Mokbel reported that those close to Salah believe he has at least another three years at the highest level.
FAQ: What’s Next for Van Dijk and Salah?
Will Van Dijk and Salah receive further extensions after their current deals expire?
Much depends on their performances over the next two years. If they continue to excel at their current level, there’s a good chance that FSG will consider extending their contracts.
Could this be the last contract for Van Dijk and Salah at Liverpool?
Neither player has ruled out the possibility, but their ambitions to continue playing at the highest level suggest they might still have a significant role at Anfield.
Pro Tips: Aging Gracefully in Football
- Prioritize recovery: Players like Van Dijk and Silva prioritize recovery and invest heavily in their body’s maintenance.
- Train smart, not hard: As players age, it’s essential to ensure that training programs adapt to individual needs and catalyze recovery.
- Diet and nutrition: A well-planned diet and nutrition plan are vital for players to maintain their fitness and overall health.
Call to action: What do you think about Van Dijk’s and Salah’s long-term future at Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more articles on 247Sports to stay updated on the latest sports news!