Virgil van Dijk put pen to paper on a new two-year deal to remain at Liverpool and is set to earn around £400,000 per week, making him the highest-paid defender in Europe.
But the Dutchman, 33, is still a long way off the best paid defender in world football, according to a report.
The Reds skipper finally ended months of speculation over his future with the announcement of the new deal that will keep him at Anfield until at least 2027.
His extension, which follows that of Mohamed Salah who also penned a lucrative two-year deal to remain with the club, breaks with tradition for the Reds hierarchy who have been reluctant to hand out large contracts to players in their 30s.
But Van Dijk’s talents, which have helped the Anfield club come to within two wins of securing the Premier League title, have necessitated retention of his services.
However, despite the lucrative terms, the commanding centre-back remains a long way shy of being the best remunerated defenders in the world.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk put pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension with the Reds
Former Napoli and Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly, currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal is the world’s highest-paid defender
Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte, who is also plays in Saudi Arabia, is the third highest-paid defender
That honour belongs to former Napoli and Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly, who swapped Stamford Bridge for Riyadh in 2023.
The 33-year-old is paid an eye-watering £553,225 for his services at the Saudi Pro League outfit, according to data from Capology.
Ex-Manchester City defender and fellow Saudi Pro League star Aymeric Laporte completes the top-three highest-paid defenders with a weekly salary of £390,627.
When it comes to defenders currently plying their trade in Europe, Real Madrid’s David Alaba is the second-highest paid star with a salary of £358,739, while Paris Saint-Germain stars Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Hernandez take home £347,897 and £302,935 respectively.
Next come the Premier League duo of John Stones and Reece James. Both defenders have struggled with fitness of late but they will no doubt have been soothed by their £250,000 pay packets.
Ex-City star Joao Cancelo and Bayern Munich speedster Alphonso Davies complete the top 10.
Following the completion of his new deal, Van Dijk told the club’s official website: ‘I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.
‘It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.’
John Stones (left) and Reece James (right) are the highest paid defenders the Premier League after Van Dijk
Van Dijk told the club’s official website after signing that he is really proud and filled with joy
He added: ‘It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.
‘There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.’
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 and has made 314 appearances for the club, 100 of which as captain.
He has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.
