Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been delivered a contract message as Andoni Iraola welcomes some of his players back ahead of the new season
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 manager Andoni Iraola will be aiming to mould his new squad with pre-season training commencing next week. The 44-year-old head coach observed some of his players on Tuesday at the club's training ground in Kirkby.
The arrival of Victor Munoz from Osasuna has been the Reds' sole venture into the transfer market thus far. While Jeremy Jacquet, who put pen to paper in January, has also formally joined.
The continuing World Cup is presenting a hurdle to transfer activity, with most sought-after players opting to remain concentrated on the competition. In the interim, Iraola will look to maintain his crucial players together as he becomes acquainted with them.
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Today's developments see one of those figures, club captain Virgil van Dijk, at the heart of a contract appeal. Meanwhile, a returning Liverpool player could be set for a second opportunity.
Virgil van Dijk contract message
Liverpool legend John Barnes says the Reds must secure Virgil van Dijk to fresh terms. The Reds captain penned a two-year contract in 2025, but Barnes reckons the club need to keep hold of their experienced 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 looks on after Liverpool vs Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026(Image: Getty)
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Barnes' plea comes amid speculation linking Van Dijk with a departure from Anfield this summer. The Dutchman has been at Anfield since January 2018, but was connected with a switch to Turkey before senior figures at Liverpool swiftly quashed the rumours.
Star gets fresh chance
Harvey Elliott could be handed a Liverpool lifeline this summer. With pre-season set to get underway next week, the Reds' new head coach was present at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, along with a number of senior players, including Elliott.
And the former Fulham man will be especially eager to make his mark. The 23-year-old was a regular fixture under Jurgen Klopp, featuring in the German's squad throughout the closing years of his reign.
Following Arne Slot's appointment in the summer of 2024, Elliott's opportunities grew increasingly limited, and he was dispatched on loan to Aston Villa, where he failed to nail down a regular role. Speaking during his opening interview as the club's new head coach, Iraola suggested that players like Elliott would be afforded the chance to stake their claim.
"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.
"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 requiring reinforcements across their forward line, Elliott, who is capable of operating on the right of midfield and in support of the strikers, could prove a shrewd piece of business - should the Reds opt to keep hold of him this summer.
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