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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Paul Gorst

The latest on Virgil van Dijk's new Liverpool contract as Reds star left bemused by reports

Liverpool have no imminent plans to open talks over a new contract with Virgil van Dijk.

Reports over the weekend claimed the £75million defender was on the verge of signing fresh terms worth around £200,000 a week at Anfield as a reward for his sparkling form since moving to the club in January 2018.

Such a pay hike would make the Holland captain one of the club's highest-paid players, but Van Dijk still has four years minimum to run on his current contract with the European champions.

Virgil van Dijk (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

The ECHO understands Van Dijk has been left bemused by reports linking him to a massive new contract and has not agitated to secure an improved pay packet.

Van Dijk, who is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or later this year, is happy with life on Merseyside and is unlikely to rock the boat to bolster his bottom line.

The 28-year-old signed a five-year deal when making the move from Southampton with a one-year extension also in place for the Dutchman at Anfield.

Van Dijk vs Maguire: 2018/19 seasons compared

Such a deal takes the PFA Players' Player of the Year up until 2024, meaning Liverpool are in no rush to open talks over a new contract.

Van Dijk has established himself as one of the world's best centre-backs since moving to Merseyside, playing a huge role in helping Jurgen Klopp's side to back-to-back Champions League finals.

He was also the bedrock behind the best defence in the Premier League last term, playing every game to help the Reds clock up 21 clean sheets, with just 22 goals conceded across the 38-game campaign.

Such impressive form saw him become the first defender since John Terry in 2005 to win PFA Players' Player of the Year award and the ex-Southampton star also won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year gong last month.

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool with the 2018/19 UEFA Men's Player of the Year trophy (Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Liverpool's No.4 collected 305 points to Lionel Messi's 207 and Cristiano Ronaldo's 74 as the Reds centre-half comfortably topped the charts in Monaco on August 29.

Liverpool are delighted with how Van Dijk has performed since he joined but no new talks are planned between the club and Van Dijk's representatives Wasserman Group.

 
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