Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk was quizzed on his contract situation at Liverpool after last night’s latest Champions League action.
Liverpool maintained their perfect Champions League record with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Girona at the Municipal de Montilivi, thanks to Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty.
The match began with Liverpool applying early pressure, as Joe Gomez’s header forced Paulo Gazzaniga into a smart save.
Darwin Nunez also had an opportunity denied by the Girona goalkeeper in the opening stages.
Girona grew into the game and created several promising chances. Daley Blind missed a golden opportunity from close range, while Bryan Gil lost his footing when one-on-one with Alisson.
The hosts dominated the latter part of the first half, leading in both shots on target and expected goals.
The Spanish side continued their momentum after the restart, with Arnaut Danjuma spurning two good chances within the first four minutes of the second half.
The breakthrough finally came for Liverpool on the hour mark when VAR intervened to award a penalty after Donny van de Beek fouled Luis Diaz in the box1
Mohamed Salah stepped up to convert the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for his 50th Champions League goal.
This goal proved decisive as Liverpool managed the game better in the closing stage.
Alisson Becker marked his return from a two-month injury layoff with an impressive display, making five crucial saves to preserve his clean sheet6
The Brazilian showed no signs of rust despite his lengthy absence.
What did Virgil van Dijk say about his Liverpool contract?
Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation at Liverpool took a significant turn with the club making an initial offer that was reportedly rejected by the Dutch captain.
It was believed that he was not satisfied with the terms.
The 33-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer of 2025.
Van Dijk’s current deal, signed on August 13, 2021, reportedly secures him a weekly wage of £220,000, amounting to an annual salary of approximately £11.44 million.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live Sport after full-time in Spain last night, the Reds skipper kept his cards close to his chest when quizzed on contract talks: “There is no word. No news.”
It is unlike FSG to give big-money deals to players approaching their mid-30s, but of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk surely fall under the exceptions category.
The Dutch center-back was instrumental in securing a clean sheet at the Montivili while one glance at Salah’s numbers this season tells you all you need to know about his ability.
“There is no word. No news” 🤐
Virgil van Dijk keeping his cards very close to his chest after the 1-0 win over Girona 👀
Will the Liverpool skipper sign a new contract? 🤔#BBCFootball #Liverpool #UCL pic.twitter.com/EA6oGNGbFC
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) December 10, 2024
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