Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and European champions PSG are at the centre of today's latest on the Reds
Liverpool and Holland captain Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool and Holland captain Virgil van Dijk(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.)
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The Andoni Iraola era is officially underway with several of Liverpool's first-team players back for pre-season. The Reds have a big month ahead, on and off the pitch.
Regarding matters on the turf, the Reds are soon to jet off for a pre-season tour of the United States, where they're set to face Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds.
Off the pitch, as things stand, the arrivals of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz remain the only new signings at Anfield this summer. However, with the World Cup hurtling to a conclusion, transfer business could very well accelerate.
Today's latest sees the Reds urged to act on their captain, Virgil van Dijk. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain have laid out terms for one of their in-demand star players.
Virgil van Dijk question raised
Iraola has been urged to sort out the "real issue" at the heart of Liverpool's defence, with questions being asked of captain Virgil van Dijk. The Reds shipped a staggering 53 goals in the top flight last season, which is their most in a single 38-game Premier League campaign.
Former England international Chris Waddle believes the Reds must further strengthen their backline this summer and questioned whether Van Dijk will even feature under Iraola this season.
The Reds captain, who has one year left on his deal, has been linked with AC Milan and teams in Turkey, but reports that he could leave have been swiftly and firmly denied by the club. "Andoni Iraola has done a marvellous job, nobody can question what he achieved at Bournemouth," Waddle said to OLBG.
"He likes to play on the front foot and, as a good tactician, he prefers an attacking style that suits the way Liverpool play and what their fans want to see. I think they crave excitement, they want to see the team attacking.
"I think he will definitely do that. But are the players good enough? Will he be allowed to bring in new players? Will Virgil van Dijk be playing this 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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"Last year, while many pointed to tactics, I believe the real issue was the middle of the defence. If they can strengthen that, there's no reason why Liverpool can't challenge again this season.
"Van Dijk obviously still has a big influence on the Liverpool squad, so you might keep him for another year and use him in specific games. But again, if he's performing well, you play him. But I just think that central position is the key issue for Liverpool.
"He’s not going to get any quicker. He’s always read the game well and has always been technically sound. But when you lose that yard of pace, it's difficult in the Premier League. The league is so quick. I thought that last year, regardless of who his centre-half partner was, they struggled."
PSG stance on star
PSG are said to be "realistic" over the current status of Liverpool target Bradley Barcola. The Athletic have reported that the reigning European champions would like to keep the winger.
However, they are said to understand that Barcola has two years remaining on his contract and is not a regular starter, suggesting that the player would be open to a move.
Bradley Barcola (France) during Round of 16 FIFA World Cup 2026, Paraguay and France, Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, United States on July 04 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola's price tag has been set by PSG(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Barcola is said to be high on Liverpool’s wish list this summer, having been identified as one of four alternative options to Yan Diomande, who looks set to join PSG. Arsenal has also been linked with the French star, but they are believed to be favouring a swoop for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
Barcola featured for France in their World Cup semi-final exit on Tuesday night. Now that the player's tournament is over, his future could be resolved soon. Previous reports stated that PSG were looking for a fee of around £130million for the 23-year-old wide man.
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