Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has been handed a contract message as Andoni Iraola welcomes some of his players back for pre-season this week
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk signed a new deal with Liverpool in 2025(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola will be looking to shape his new squad with pre-season training beginning next week. The 44-year-old head coach cast an eye over some of his players on Tuesday at the club's training base in Kirkby.
The signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna has been the Reds' only foray into the transfer window so far. While Jeremy Jacquet, who signed in January, has also officially arrived.
The ongoing World Cup is posing an obstacle to transfer business, with most in-demand players preferring to stay focused on the tournament. In the meantime, Iraola will aim to keep his key players together as he gets to know them.
Today's news sees one of those stars, club captain Virgil van Dijk, at the centre of a contract plea. Elsewhere, a returning Liverpool player could be in for a second chance.
Virgil van Dijk contract message
Liverpool legend John Barnes says the Reds need to tie down Virgil van Dijk to a new deal. The Reds captain signed a two-year deal in 2025, but Barnes believes the club need to retain their senior players, having lost Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson this summer.
"I'd like to see Virgil’s contract being extended because for Andoni Iraola, he'll need his senior players," Barnes told Betfred.
"Those that have been around the block and know the club... so I think it’s important that we keep a hold of Virgil next season."
Virgil van Dijk looks on after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 24, 2026
Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a Liverpool exit(Image: Getty)
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Barnes' plea comes as Van Dijk was linked with an exit from Anfield this summer. The Dutchman has been at Anfield since January 2018, but was linked with a move to Turkey before senior sources at Liverpool firmly shut down the rumours.
Star gets fresh chance
Harvey Elliott could find himself a Liverpool lifeline this summer. With pre-season kicking off next week, the Reds' new head coach was at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday.
Elliott will be particularly keen to leave his mark. The 23-year-old was a regular under Jurgen Klopp, appearing in the German's squad throughout the final years of his tenure.
Following Arne Slot's arrival in the summer of 2024, Elliott's chances became scarcer, and he was sent out on loan to Aston Villa, where he struggled to make an impact. Speaking in his maiden interview as the club's new head coach, Iraola hinted that players such as Elliott will be given their opportunity to impress.
"We've analysed Liverpool a lot – possible weaknesses, the strengths," Iraola said. "I think we have a very good squad. I think there is still work to do, like normally in every club in this moment of the season. But right now, for me the thing is to value especially the players that we have right now in the squad.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 07: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Harvey Elliott of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 07, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Harvey Elliott is back at Liverpool for now(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
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"For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings. For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them."
With the Reds needing backup across their attack, Elliott, who can play on the right of midfield and behind the forwards, could operate as a shrewd piece of business - if the Reds choose to retain him this summer.
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