Virgil van Dijk's staggering Liverpool salary revealed as defender handed astronomical contract

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's salary has been revealed after he put pen to paper on a new contract.

After months of negotiations, it was confirmed on Thursday morning that Van Dijk had committed his future to Liverpool.

A club statement read: "Virgil van Dijk has today signed a new contract with Liverpool FC to extend his time with the club beyond the 2024-25 season.

"The captain put pen to paper on the deal to ensure his association with the Reds will continue into the forthcoming campaigns, almost seven-and-a-half years after he initially arrived at Anfield."

Since joining from Southampton in January 2018 for what was a world record deal, Van Dijk has become an essential part of Liverpool's recent history.

During his time at Anfield, the 33-year-old has so far made 314 appearances for Liverpool, winning eight trophies including both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Speaking about his new contract, the Liverpool captain said: "I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.

"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.”

As reported by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Van Dijk is set to earn £400,000 a week after signing a two-year extension.

Ornstein wrote on social media: "Virgil van Dijk signs new 2yr contract with Liverpool. No break/release clauses or pay cut so 33yo continues to earn salary believed to be ~£400kpw; thought to be Europe’s best-paid defender. Approaches from elsewhere but only wanted LFC."

Virgil van Dijk has signed a new Liverpool contract. Image: Getty

Premier League rival wanted to sign Van Dijk

Before putting pen to paper to extend his Anfield career, it has been claimed that a Premier League rival wanted to snap up the Dutch star.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Chelsea were one of the clubs interested in bringing Van Dijk in on a free transfer.

However, the feeling the Stamford Bridge club received was that he was going to commit to Liverpool.

Aside from Chelsea, French giants Paris Saint Germain were also said to be keen and Van Dijk was seen speaking to PSG officials after their Champions League clash.

As well as playing a key part in the club's success in recent years, Van Dijk has also won several individual awards during his time with Liverpool.

Following his best season with the club in 2018/19, Van Dijk won both the UEFA Best Player and PFA Player of the Year awards.

The centre-back also finished second in the Ballon d'Or rankings in 2019, finishing just seven points behind Lionel Messi.

With the Dutchman's future at the club sorted alongside Mohamed Salah, all eyes will now be on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to leave the club in the summer if a new deal cannot be agreed upon.