Liverpool signed new long-term with defender Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk has given Liverpool timely support ahead of their first Premier League match of the season with newly minted Norwich City by signing a new long-term contract, the club announced on Friday.

The 30-year-old Dutch international central defender’s new deal is reported to tie him to the club till 2025.

Van Dijk recently returned to action during pre-season after spending nine months on the sidelines with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in the Merseyside derby in October.

The defender subsequently chose not to play in the European Championship this summer to focus on his rehabilitation.

“Since day one when I joined the club, I felt so much appreciation from the fans and from my teammates and the staff, that I could be a very important member of this football club,” Van Dijk told Liverpool’s website.

“It has been going well; unfortunately, last season for me personally has been a season to forget, to learn from and take with me, but I have enjoyed my time here and will keep enjoying it in the next couple of years.”

Since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has made 130 appearances for the club in all competitions and led them to both Champions League and Premier League glory.

Van Dijk played just five league games last season before his injury and Klopp’s side felt his absence as they were unable to defend their league title, finishing in third place.

Van Dijk is the fourth key member of manager Juergen Klopp’s squad to sign a contract extension ahead of the new season after defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, midfielder Fabinho and goalkeeper Alisson.

Liverpool will begin their 2021-22 campaign with a trip to Norwich City on Saturday.