Van Dijk affirms love for Liverpool as he enters the final weeks of his contract

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Virgil van Dijk scored the goal that moved Liverpool a step closer to the Premier League title and reaffirmed his love for the club as he enters the final weeks of his current contract.

The Netherlands international’s late header sealed a 2-1 win against West Ham on Sunday that put Liverpool within six points of a record-equaling 20th English league title.

It was a fitting reminder of his importance to the club after months of uncertainty over his future and with him on the verge of becoming a free agent.

Liverpool ended speculation over top scorer Mohamed Salah on Friday by tying him down to a new two-year deal, and the focus is now on captain Van Dijk.

“Everyone knows how much I love this club. Let’s see what next week will look like,” Van Dijk said after the West Ham game.

Salah has revealed his own feelings, saying Van Dijk "can do whatever he wants, but I would love to see him again here next year.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot insisted his mind was on sealing the title, rather than contract extensions.

“I think he (Van Dijk) means ‘Let’s see what next week means when we play Leicester City’ because that is, at this moment of time, by far the most important thing this club is looking at,” Slot said.

“We still have to win two, so we should be completely focused on that and if in the meantime a contract extension or whatever happens ... my full focus is on Leicester and, I’m sure, Virgil’s as well.”

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot celebrates with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was carted off the field with a right Achilles tendon injury late in the first half of Sunday's wild-card playoff game at Philadelphia.

Kittle was pushed out of bounds on a 6-yard reception and grabbed the back of his lower right leg. He was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Kittle is a key part of both the run and pass game for the 49ers but played in just 11 games this season because of injuries. He missed five games early this season with a hamstring injury.

The catch was Kittle's first of the game. He clapped for his teammates as he was driven to the locker room.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is carted off the field after an injury during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is carted off the field after an injury during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)