Liverpool set for ‘big summer’ of transfers, says Virgil van Dijk
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Liverpool's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk celebrating after netting the winner in a 2-1 English Premier League triumph at home to West Ham United on April 13 at Anfield.
PHOTO: AFP
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LIVERPOOL – Virgil van Dijk expects a “big summer” for Liverpool in the transfer market as he reportedly closes in on a deal that will secure his future at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s men are on the brink of a record-equalling 20th English league title after the 2-1 victory at home to West Ham United on April 13, when van Dijk scored the winner.
They are 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with just six games to go and could wrap up the title as early as this weekend, if results go their way.
Van Dijk’s own future is likely to be secured later this week, with the announcement of a two-year contract to match Mohamed Salah’s new deal.
The 33-year-old Dutchman was coy when quizzed about the issue at the weekend.
But Salah was more forthcoming, saying: “I am glad we managed to do that (my contract) before the end of the season.
“Hopefully, Virgil will be next. He can do whatever he wants but I would love to play with him next season.”
Forward Federico Chiesa was the only outfield signing in the 2024 post-season transfer window, but he has rarely featured and Dutchman Slot will be eager to strengthen his side.
“I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years,” said van Dijk, who captained the team for the 100th time in the league against West Ham.
“Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer. I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board to do the right job.
“I think we 100 per cent can improve. We shouldn’t forget the quality that the Premier League possesses, especially this season. It’s incredible how everyone can beat everyone.”
The Dutch international said Liverpool would also benefit from a pre-season, with no major international competition in 2025.
“This year, there is a training camp and there is time for the team to work on what the manager wants and I think that will then improve the team,” he said.
“I think a proper pre-season would definitely help the club in order to be even more consistent than we already have been.”
Van Dijk is set to become only the second Liverpool captain to lift the English Premier League trophy after Jordan Henderson in 2020 and he is looking to add to that.
He said: “Being successful with Liverpool, the culture of the club, everything that embodies Liverpool – that is just part of me.
“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 and off the pitch, and that will always be the same.” AFP
