Revealed: Virgil van Dijk is still not the world's highest-paid defender after signing his lucrative Liverpool deal - with an ex-Premier League star raking in more than £150,000 extra per week

Revealed: Virgil van Dijk is still not the world's highest-paid defender after signing his lucrative Liverpool deal - with an ex-Premier League star raking in more than £150,000 extra per week Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract with the club There has been huge speculation surrounding the Dutchman's Anfield future LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Is it fair for Man United or Tottenham to go straight into the Champions League if they win the Europa League? By TUM BALOGUN Published: 12:45, 17 April 2025 | Updated: 12:45, 17 April 2025 e-mail View comments Virgil van Dijk put pen to paper on a new two-year deal to remain at Liverpool and is set to earn around £400,000 per week, making him the highest-paid defender in Europe. But the Dutchman, 33, is still a long way off the best paid defender in world football, according to a report. The Reds skipper finally ended months of speculation over his future with the announcement of the new deal that will keep him at Anfield until at least 2027.

His extension, which follows that of Mohamed Salah who also penned a lucrative two-year deal to remain with the club, breaks with tradition for the Reds hierarchy who have been reluctant to hand out large contracts to players in their 30s. But Van Dijk's talents, which have helped the Anfield club come to within two wins of securing the Premier League title, have necessitated retention of his services. However, despite the lucrative terms, the commanding centre-back remains a long way shy of being the best remunerated defenders in the world.



Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk put pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension with the Reds Former Napoli and Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly, currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal is the world's highest-paid defender Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte, who is also plays in Saudi Arabia, is the third highest-paid defender That honour belongs to former Napoli and Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly , who swapped Stamford Bridge for Riyadh in 2023. The 33-year-old is paid an eye-watering £553,225 for his services at the Saudi Pro League outfit, according to data from Capology . Ex-Manchester City defender and fellow Saudi Pro League star Aymeric Laporte completes the top-three highest-paid defenders with a weekly salary of £390,627.

When it comes to defenders currently plying their trade in Europe, Real Madrid's David Alaba is the second-highest paid star with a salary of £358,739, while Paris Saint-Germain stars Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Hernandez take home £347,897 and £302,935 respectively. Next come the Premier League duo of John Stones and Reece James. Both defenders have struggled with fitness of late but they will no doubt have been soothed by their £250,000 pay packets.

Ex-City star Joao Cancelo and Bayern Munich speedster Alphonso Davies complete the top 10. Following the completion of his new deal, Van Dijk told the club's official website: 'I'm very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.

'It's a proud feeling, it's a feeling of joy. It's just incredible. The journey I've had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I'm so happy.

' John Stones (left) and Reece James (right) are the highest paid defenders the Premier League after Van Dijk Van Dijk told the club's official website after signing that he is really proud and filled with joy Highest paid defenders in world football 1. Kalidou Koulibaly, Al-Hilal - £553,225 2. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool - £400,000 3.

Aymeric Laporte, Al-Nassr - £390,627 4. David Alaba, Real Madrid - £358,739 5. Achraf Hakimi, PSG - £347,897 6.

Lucas Hernandez, PSG - £302,935 7. John Stones, Man City - £250,000 8. Reece James, Chelsea - £250,000 9.

Joao Cancelo, Al-Hilal - £244,102 10. Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich - £239,159 Advertisement He added: 'It was always Liverpool. That was the case.

It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool. 'There wasn't any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I'm one of Liverpool.

Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I'm really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.' Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 and has made 314 appearances for the club, 100 of which as captain. He has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Mohamed Salah Virgil van Dijk Liverpool Share or comment on this article: Revealed: Virgil van Dijk is still not the world's highest-paid defender after signing his lucrative Liverpool deal - with an ex-Premier League star raking in more than £150,000 extra per week e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. Add your comment Enter your comment By posting your comment you agree to our house rules .

Submit Comment Clear Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. No Yes Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account.

We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy .

.