Liverpool star, Virgil van Dijk, recently inked a new two-year contract with the Premier League leaders, Liverpool FC, finally putting an end to the uncertainty surrounding his future at Anfield. The 33-year-old has established himself as one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, having secured numerous titles including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup during his seven-year tenure at the club. Van Dijk’s decision to extend his contract follows in the footsteps of his teammate Mohamed Salah, who also committed his future to the Reds until 2027.
In an interview with Liverpool’s media team, Van Dijk expressed his pride and joy at extending his stay at the club, emphasising his unwavering loyalty to Liverpool and the profound sense of belonging he feels towards the city. The Dutchman, who has been affectionately dubbed an “adopted Scouser”, highlighted the immense happiness he and his family feel about continuing their journey with the club. Van Dijk’s renewed contract is expected to maintain his substantial earnings, with reports estimating his net worth to be around £42 million, boosted by lucrative brand deals and endorsements from companies such as Nike, EA Sports, and Heineken.
Off the pitch, Van Dijk shares his life with his wife, Rike Nooitgedagt, whom he met in the Netherlands when he was 20 years old. The couple tied the knot in 2017 and have since welcomed four children together. Nooitgedagt, a former fashion sales manager, has been a steadfast source of support for Van Dijk throughout his successful career, accompanying him on his professional journey. Interestingly, the Dutch defender once resided in a £4 million Cheshire mansion owned by former Manchester United player and manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, showcasing the unexpected connections in the world of football.
Moreover, Van Dijk’s career could have taken a different turn had he joined Crystal Palace under then-manager Neil Warnock’s reign. Warnock revealed that he had a near-miss opportunity to sign Van Dijk for £3 million while the defender was at Celtic, but the scouting department doubted his speed and opted against the move. This decision proved costly, as Southampton later acquired Van Dijk for a fraction of the price before subsequently selling him to Liverpool for a monumental fee. Warnock’s comparison of Van Dijk to Sol Bamba, citing the latter as a superior defender, sparked laughter and disbelief in the football community.
As Van Dijk continues to solidify his legacy at Liverpool, his personal life, financial success, and intriguing anecdotes off the field add layers to the narrative of one of football’s most prominent figures. With his dedication to the club unwavering and his impact on the game undeniable, Van Dijk’s story serves as an embodiment of resilience, determination, and triumph in the world of football.