Virgil van Dijk reaffirms his love for Liverpool as contract runs down

By Canadian Press on April 13, 2025.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Virgil van Dijk scored the goal that moved Liverpool a step closer to the Premier League title and reaffirmed his love for the club as he enters the final weeks of his contract.

The Netherlands international’s late header sealed a 2-1 win against West Ham on Sunday that put Liverpool within six points of a record-equaling 20th English league title.

It was a fitting reminder of his importance to the club after months of uncertainty over his future and with him on the verge of becoming a free agent.

Liverpool ended speculation over top scorer Mohamed Salah on Friday by tying him down to a new two-year deal, and the focus is now on captain Van Dijk.

“Everyone knows how much I love this club. Let’s see what next week will look like,” Van Dijk said after the West Ham game.

Salah has revealed his own feelings, saying Van Dijk “can do whatever he wants, but I would love to see him again here next year.”

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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

James Robson, The Associated Press