---
title: "Liverpool preparing talks over huge £50m contract for Van Dijk"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-preparing-talks-over-huge-50m-contract-for-van-dijk/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-02-11T17:23:13Z"
modified: "2020-02-11T17:23:14Z"
---

# Liverpool preparing talks over huge £50m contract for Van Dijk

Liverpool are preparing a huge new £50 million contract for Virgil van Dijk, according to *[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/liverpool-to-offer-van-dijk-new-and-improved-deal/)*.

The 28-year-old [joined](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42496637) the Reds in January 2018, arriving for a club record fee of £75 million.

Van Dijk has since gone on to cement his reputation as the [world’s best centre-back](https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/van-dijk-named-worlds-best-centre-back-fft100-2018) in the eyes of many, finishing [runner-up](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/376000-virgil-van-dijk-ballon-dor-result) to Lionel Messi in December’s Ballon d’Or vote.

Liverpool are apparently keen to tie the Dutchman down to a new deal ahead of the summer, warding off any potential interest in the process.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Extending Van Dijk’s stay at Liverpool should be at the top of the club’s list of priorities, in my opinion.

I don’t think there has been a more influential player during the Jurgen Klopp era, with the defender colossal in all facets of his play, whether it be pace, power, leadership, quality on the ball or consistency.

He is already the best defender I have ever seen for the Reds and I see no reason why he can’ go on to become an all-time great, considering his aforementioned qualities.

While the likes of Alisson, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are vital in their own right, Liverpool have generally fared well without them in the side.

I believe Van Dijk is the player Liverpool could least afford to lose for a long period – the fact that he [hasn’t missed a Premier League game](https://www.lfchistory.net/Players/Player/Profile/1321) in the last two seasons speaks volumes.