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Virgil van Dijk question answered as Liverpool faces huge transfer asking price

Liverpool transfer news, rumours and gossip as the Reds continue to be linked with a number of players ahead of the summer transfer window, while Virgil van Dijk's future is confirmed

10:57, 06 Jul 2026

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 is staying at Liverpool(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

With Liverpool experiencing substantial upheaval this summer, one would expect it vital they keep hold of their most experienced figures. Arne Slot moved on to allow Andoni Iraola to take charge at the season's end, and the Basque boss is now shaping his Reds roster, having already wrapped up a transfer for Victor Munoz from Osasuna.

Liverpool have witnessed the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate already during this transfer window. The club's Brazilian shot-stopper, Alisson Becker, also found himself at the centre of transfer rumours, though he looks likely to stay following substantial speculation.

Further gossip has centred on the possible exit of club skipper Virgil van Dijk, which would have massive implications for the outfit. Today's updates provide new details concerning Van Dijk's prospects. Elsewhere, a prospective target for the Reds has been slapped with a staggering price tag, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Virgil van Dijk update

Van Dijk is believed to be staying at Liverpool for the current campaign, despite certain suggestions floated last week. The Dutch defender, who celebrates his 35th birthday this month, is in the second year of a two-year contract extension he signed in April of last year.

Claims via TEAMtalk suggested that the Reds were 'prepared to evaluate any serious offer on its merits before making a decision' and indicated the club no longer viewed their skipper as 'untouchable. ' However, rumours linking him to the likes of AC Milan and Fenerbahce have been categorically dismissed by sources at Anfield.

It is understood that the club are gearing up for the forthcoming campaign with their long-standing skipper firmly in their plans.

Van Dijk featured in every minute of Premier League action last season and remains an indispensable 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)

$133M World Cup star

Liverpool and other potential suitors have been warned they may need to splash out around $133 million to land World Cup sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi. The youngster has caught the eye for Morocco at this summer's tournament, having played a pivotal role in the African nation's run to the quarter-finals.

Following three exceptional seasons with French club Lille, the Reds, Man United and Arsenal are amongst those said to be keen on the 18 year old. With three years still remaining on his contract, his club are under no pressure to sell.

Lille president Olivier Letang has now indicated that it would take an extraordinary fee to part with their prized 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."

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When pressed on whether he had put a price tag on 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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