Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk, has urged the club to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes on August 30. Despite his own contract situation remaining unchanged, Van Dijk is confident that reinforcements will arrive before the end of player trading this month.
Liverpool stands as the only Premier League club yet to add new players to their ranks this summer. However, behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to secure a deal for Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spanish international midfielder carries a release clause of £52m and is seen as Liverpool's first potential arrival this summer.
This move follows after centre-back target Leny Yoro joined Manchester United last month from Lille. A previous deal discussed in June for Anthony Gordon fell through due to Newcastle United's inability to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules following sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.
The need for reinforcements
With less than a week left until they kick off their Premier League season away at Ipswich Town, Liverpool have yet not added any new players. This situation has prompted Van Dijk’s call for an increase in playing staff before the deadline passes.
Speaking after Sunday’s 4-1 victory in the Sevilla match at Anfield, Van Dijk expressed his belief that new signings would be made soon enough under new head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, said:
"I am positive, I am confident, obviously I think we should make some signings based on how long the season will go but I think they are working behind the scenes and I am fully convinced and trust the club that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are in.
"That is the main thing I am focusing on, having the trust and we will see what happens. I think they are working very hard behind the scenes, we will see how that pans out. When the transfer window closes the squad will be there, but so far everyone is working, everyone is improving, everyone is learning each and every day and for me it is quite familiar with what he wants and how we train. I kind of enjoy that and want to keep doing it."
Van Dijk’s contract situation
When asked about his own contract status with Liverpool, Van Dijk confirmed there was no change but remained coy on further details. His focus appears firmly set on strengthening the team ahead of what promises to be another challenging season in English football’s top flight division.
Virgil van Dijk added:
"There is no change at the moment. If it was up to me obviously and I had the say then obviously we go as far as we can [this season]. That's the aim. I have ambitions, we all have ambitions, we all want to achieve the best that we can, we participate in every competition to win it and it's almost impossible to do that but we are ready for the start of the Premier League and hopefully we can grow into the season. We want to improve and win games and we need everyone at their best.
"So far, so good (under Slot). Obviously it is a lot of work at the training ground, tactical, physical to get fit and this was the last big test before we start with the real deal and it looks like we are ready for that. Hopefully we can show it as well because we go there Saturday and it is going to be tough. They are promoted, it is 12.30pm and we have a big job on our hands. It is fine, we are obviously in communication with each other and a lot of meetings, tactical meetings, where we see what we can improve as well as good things but the finer details are very important to improve our game and that is what we all want. That is what we all want and what we all have to show, that desire."
While uncertainty surrounds both player transfers and key contracts at Anfield Stadium - including that of captain Virgil van Dijk - it seems clear that the focus is on strengthening the squad. With the transfer window closing soon, Liverpool fans will be eagerly awaiting news of new arrivals to bolster their beloved team's chances in the upcoming season.
