Today's latest sees updates emerge on Virgil van Dijk as a huge price tag is touted
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks dejected following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 03, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk signed a two year deal with Liverpool in 2025(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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With Liverpool in the throes of transition this summer, one would think it's imperative they hold onto their most experienced players. Arne Slot made way for Andoni Iraola at the season's end and the Basque is now shaping his Reds squad, having already struck a deal for Victor Munoz from Osasuna.
Liverpool have lost Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate already this summer. The club's Brazilian goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, was also linked with a move away, but he looks set to stay after much speculation.
Further rumours have centred around the departure of club captain Virgil van Dijk, which would have seismic implications for the club. Today's news sees an update on Van Dijk's future surface. Elsewhere, a potential target for the Reds has been strapped with an almighty price tag.
Virgil van Dijk update
Van Dijk is said to be staying at Liverpool this season, despite rumours to the contrary. The Dutch defender, who turns 35 this month, is in the second year of a two-year extension he signed in April of last year.
Reports via TEAMtalk claimed that the Reds were ‘prepared to evaluate any serious offer on its merits before making a decision’ and said the club no longer viewed their captain as 'untouchable.'
However, links to clubs such as AC Milan and Fenerbahce have been strongly dismissed by Anfield sources. It's stated that the club are planning for the season ahead with their long-serving captain on board. Van Dijk played every minute in the Premier League last season and remains a key figure at Liverpool.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after the win over Galatasaray at Anfield
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had been linked with a move away from the Reds(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
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£100m World Cup star
Liverpool and other potential suitors have been warned they may have to splash out around £100million to sign World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi. The teenager has shone for Morocco at this summer’s tournament, having played a pivotal role in the African side’s run to the quarter-finals.
After three impressive seasons with French side Lille, teams such as the Reds, Man United and Arsenal are said to be keen on the 18-year-old. He currently has three years remaining on his contract and so his club are under no pressure to sell.
Lille president Olivier Letang has now claimed it would take a staggering amount to part with the club's star asset. Speaking to Eurosport, he said: “Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now.
"He's already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement. He's only 18 and has his whole future ahead of him. He's focused on continuing to develop and winning everything.”
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Ayyoub Bouaddi has impressed at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
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Asked if he had set a price for the midfielder, Letang responded: "How to answer that question... Have I spoken, brought up the subject, given a figure? No, never.
“You have to look at his level. How much have players like (Elliot) Anderson [to Man City for £116m] or (Sandro) Tonali [to Spurs for £100m] been sold for, who are much older, but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old."
Speaking at World Cup 2026, Bouaddi said: "For the moment I'm only focused on the World Cup, I cannot answer to this right now. I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me but for now I’m here focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best."
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