Van Dijk explains why he's signing Liverpool deal as he follows Salah example

Liverpool skipper makes a strong suggestion that his new contract will shortly be announced and tells supporters about his long love affair with the club

Short of showing us the small print, Virgil van Dijk has confirmed a new contract has been agreed and will be confirmed later this week. Class act that he is, the club captain will devote his attention to making sure the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster is marked appropriately before making an official announcement on his Liverpool future.

But Liverpool supporters can be reassured. It is sorted and, before the trip to Leicester City on Sunday, Van Dijk will follow Mohamed Salah in signing a new two-year deal.

“I think first, all the focus should be going to the Hillsborough anniversary,” says Van Dijk. “I think that's the main thing and then we'll see. The focus will still be on Leicester, but maybe there's some news. I know … but I don't know.”

And the broad smile on his face tells you everything. Van Dijk is delighted to be staying at Anfield until at least the summer of 2027 - and probably for longer. And he is happy to explain why he is staying at the club and why there was clearly no chance of him being tempted by a move to somewhere else, even though the negotiations over a fresh agreement have gone to this late stage.

He explains: “I love the club, that's pretty obvious. I think you can see that in the way I speak about the club, the way I work for the club in terms of what I do on the pitch on and off the pitch, and that will always be the same.

“I think it's the whole combination. I joined the club in 2017 for many reasons. Reasons like how much it means to all the Scousers, to all the fans around the whole world to be connected to Liverpool.

“Being successful with Liverpool, the culture of the club, everything that embodies Liverpool … that is just part of me. That's why I'm always proud when I wear that shirt, go out there and try to be the best version of myself in terms of the football player that I am.”

Van Dijk turns 34 in July but he has been in the form of his life this season, scoring a dramatic winner against West Ham United at Anfield on Sunday to make sure Liverpool’s Premier League title success remains a formality. The opener in the 2-1 win was scored by Luis Diaz but served up by Salah, and Van Dijk believes there is a lot more to come from the Egyptian now he has committed himself to Liverpool.

“I’m obviously very happy for the club. and all of us connected to the club. You can't put it in words how consistent he is,” says Van Dijk. “Obviously (in terms of) his numbers, but the work rate he's put in over those last eight years at the club is incredible and he can still show it for another few years.”

And, as will be confirmed later this week, Van Dijk will be doing the same alongside Salah. It is prospect Liverpool fans will be relishing.