Van Dijk signs new deal with Liverpool

Liverpool and Netherlands defender Virgil Van Dijk has signed a new four-year deal, the club announced on Friday.

The former Southampton man is set to make his return to first-team action after missing football for almost a year out because of a knee injury. Van Dijk is expected to be in the lineup when Liverpool kick-off their 2021-22 Premier League campaign against Norwich City on Saturday.

"It is something to be very proud of, that I am very proud of, that my wife and my kids are very proud of," Van Dijk said in a statement after signing the new deal that will keep him with the club till 2025. .

"All the hard work we've put in so far continues and I am looking forward to what the future brings together with Liverpool. I'm delighted, very happy and proud.

"It has been going well; unfortunately last season for me personally has been a season to forget, to learn from and take with me, but I have enjoyed my time here and will keep enjoying it in the next couple of years altogether with all of you."

Van Dijk is the latest Liverpool player to sign a new long-term extension, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and midfielder Fabinho all inking new deals in the past month.