Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk hinted that he is close to signing a new contract after scoring a dramatic winner against West Ham United at Anfield on Sunday.
A 2-1 victory over West Ham means the Reds need to win just two more games to be certain of a record-equaling 20th English league title to draw level with Manchester United’s tally.
Arne Slot’s side had looked like dropping points when Andrew Robinson scored an own goal in the 86th minute to level the game at 1-1 after Luis Diaz’s opener. But skipper Virgil van Dijk delivered from the front and headed home in the 89th to ensure Liverpool took advantage after second-placed Arsenal slipped up on Saturday after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford.
The Dutchman, who is out of contract at the end of the season, scored on Sunday and celebrated by kissing the badge on his shirt in front of the Kop. Asked about his celebration after the match, Van Dijk told Sky Sports (h/t ESPN FC): “Everyone knows how much I love this club and let’s see what next week will look like.”
Van Dijk’s statement comes after Mohamed Salah committed his future at the club. The Egyptian star brought months of speculation to an end by penning a two-year contract extension at Liverpool, keeping him at the club until 2027 at least. The 32-year-old forward has been the driving force behind the Merseyside outfit’s pursuit of the club’s 20th league title with 32 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions—including 27 Premier League goals.
Virgil van Dijk expected to sign a new deal at Anfield
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in summer January 2018 and has since cemented himself as one of the best defenders in world football. The Netherlands international has made over 300 appearances for the club, winning seven major honors, including the Premier League and Champions League.
The 33-year-old has been a rock at the back for the Merseyside outfit for many years now. There has been speculation over his future as well as to whether he will sign a new contract or leave the club on a free transfer. But, after Salah’s new deal, Van Dijk is expected to follow suit soon.
The centre-back’s winner against West Ham means Liverpool require only six points from the remaining six games to clinch the Premier League title. Slot’s side could do it as soon as next weekend itself should they beat Leicester City at the King Power Stadium and Arsenal lose to Ipswich Town.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
