Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is preparing for pre-season as John Barnes calls for Virgil van Dijk's contract to be extended, while Harvey Elliott is set to be given the chance to stake his claim at Anfield
09:39, 09 Jul 2026
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)
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is set to begin shaping his new squad as pre-season training gets under way next week. The 44-year-old head coach was spotted observing several of his players on Tuesday at the club's Kirkby training facility.
The signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna remains the Reds' only foray into the transfer market to date, while Jeremy Jacquet, who put pen to paper back in January, has also officially completed his move.
The ongoing World Cup continues to hamper transfer business, with the majority of coveted targets choosing to keep their focus firmly on the tournament. In the meantime, Iraola will seek to keep his key players close as he looks to familiarise himself with his new charges. Today's updates place one such figure, club captain Virgil van Dijk, at the centre of a contract discussion. Elsewhere, a returning Reds player could be handed a fresh chance to prove his worth, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Van Dijk contract message
Liverpool legend John Barnes has urged the Reds to tie Virgil van Dijk down to a new deal. The Reds skipper signed a two-year contract in 2025, but Barnes believes the club must hold onto their experienced campaigners, particularly following the departures of 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."
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.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after the win over Galatasaray at Anfield
Virgil van Dijk was linked with an unlikely summer exit(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
Elliott gets fresh chance
Harvey Elliott may be offered a Liverpool reprieve this summer. With pre-season scheduled to commence next week, the Reds' new head coach attended the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, alongside several senior players, including Elliott.
The ex-Fulham youngster will be particularly keen to impress. The 23-year-old was a consistent presence under Jürgen Klopp, appearing regularly in the German's matchday squads during the latter stages of his tenure.
After Arne Slot's arrival in the summer of 2024, Elliott's playing time became progressively scarce, leading to a loan spell at Aston Villa, where he struggled to secure consistent minutes. During his inaugural interview as the club's new head coach, Iraola indicated that players such as Elliott would receive opportunities to prove themselves.
"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."
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Given the Reds need strengthening options throughout their attacking department, Elliott, who can play on the right side of midfield as well as behind the forwards, might represent an astute acquisition - should the Reds decide to retain him this summer.