Ian Rush instantly reacts to Virgil van Dijk news at Liverpool
Ian Rush has made his feelings apparent after Liverpool announced that Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract with them.
There were concerns that Van Dijk would leave the Reds on a free transfer after he was allowed to enter the final weeks of his contract at Anfield.
However, after months of speculation, Liverpool and the Netherlands international have reached an agreement over a new deal to keep him on Merseyside.
The centre-back has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2027, while continuing to earn £400,000-a-week in wages.
Rush reacts to Van Dijk’s new Liverpool deal
This comes just days after Liverpool announced that Mohamed Salah has committed his future to the Premier League giants for two more years.
FSG will not be too pleased to agree to pay £400,000 every week for a 33-year-old, but Arne Slot will be delighted to have the defender’s services for two more years.
The former Southampton man is on course to lead the Reds to Premier League glory this season, and his importance is not lost on his manager, teammates, fans and even legends of the game.
| Matches | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
| 44 | 3987′ | 4 | 1 | 15 | 34 | 5 | 0 |
Rush was among the first to send a message to Van Dijk after he announced his new contract on social media (17 April), writing ‘YNWA’ along with a heart emoji.
Jordan Henderson tipped his hat to his former vice-captain, while Calvin Harris also expressed his delight at the news.
Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett could not hide his excitement, as he wrote: “Goosebumps, our captain [is] here to stay.”
Van Dijk rejects approaches to stay at Anfield
According to David Ornstein, Van Dijk received approaches from elsewhere, but ultimately decided to stay at Liverpool.
The Dutchman was always keen on continuing his association with the Reds, and his wages meant that not many clubs would have been able to afford him anyway.
Therefore, the Anfield outfit have put an end to two of their three contract sagas, although Trent Alexander-Arnold is still expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.