Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool, keeping him at the club until 2027. However, indications suggest that the 33-year-old Dutch defender has already set his sights on staying even longer.
Fenway Sports Group’s Changing Stance
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s owners, have softened their stance on offering long-term contracts to players over 30. Van Dijk, along with Mohamed Salah, both of whom are considered two of the best players in the world, are prime examples of this shift. Van Dijk is reportedly earning £385,000 a week, while Salah is on £480,000.
Van Dijk’s Plans for the Future
Although his current contract runs until he turns 36, Van Dijk believes his time at Liverpool will extend further. Reports from Paul Joyce of The Times and Lewis Steele of The Mail state that Van Dijk does not intend for his career to end in 2027. The player himself is confident that he can maintain his high performance for another three to four years.
Van Dijk’s Commitment to Peak Performance
The key to Van Dijk’s longevity lies in his dedication to sports science. He works closely with a private team for nutrition, recovery, and gym sessions. His personal regimen includes aqua cycling, sauna sessions, ice baths, and cryotherapy to keep his body in top condition. This detailed recovery process helps him feel confident in his ability to stay at the highest level of play for many more years.
Van Dijk’s Inspiration from Other Athletes
Van Dijk looks up to athletes like Thiago Silva, who continues playing at 39, and other legends such as LeBron James, Roger Federer, and Tom Brady, who have defied age to maintain their elite performances. He hopes to emulate their longevity in his own football career.
While it remains to be seen whether further extensions will be granted by FSG, both Van Dijk and Salah are making it clear that they don’t intend for their time at Liverpool to end soon.
